Resumo

LIMA, Reynaldo José da Silva et al. Assessment of the spatial and temporal distribution of human leptospirosis in Belém, Pará State, Brazil. Rev Pan-Amaz Saude [online]. 2012, vol.3, n.2, pp.33-40. ISSN 2176-6215.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5123/S2176-62232012000200005.

INTRODUCTION: Leptospirosis is a major health problem, which is responsible for severe financial and social impacts worldwide. Its occurrence is directly related to areas with precarious sanitary conditions, especially the ones located in the suburbs. This work assessed the frequency of cases of leptospirosis and pointed out its risk areas in the Municipality of Belém, Pará State, Brazil. METHODS: An epidemiologic study on human leptospirosis was carried out in Belém between 2006 and 2011, based on data about confirmed cases provided by the Information System on Diseases of Compulsory Declaration (Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação - SINAN) of the Pará State Secretary of Health. RESULTS: Approximately 40% of the confirmed cases were concentrated in three districts with poor sanitary infrastructure. Although the lethality rates remained high, a reduction trend in the incidence historical series was observed. The age group between 15 and 39 years accounted for 53.7% of the cases reported, and individuals older than 40 years showed the highest lethality rate (19.8%, p = 0.0004). Previous contact with contaminated water and mud was the main risk factor for 48.1 % of the cases, and the domestic environment was the most probable locus of infection for 45.1%. Guamá district presented the highest density of cases, and the northernmost part of the Municipality was considered a potential risk area for the establishment of leptospirosis. CONCLUSION: This study outlined the high-risk areas for the occurrence of leptospirosis in the Municipality of Belém. It also determined the predictive factors of severity of the disease and the social losses due to its mortality.

Palavras-chave : Leptospirosis; Epidemiologic Studies; Basic Sanitation; Risk Zone.

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