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To describe the prevalence data in new cases of leprosy in the years 2013 to 2015 in Pernambuco.

Abstract

Introduction: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It has eminent persistence in Brazil, which occupies the second place in the ranking with the highest number of new cases in the world. The upper airways are the main entrance and exit port for the bacillus, and the transmission occurs in close and prolonged contact with the carrier. Objective: To describe the prevalence data in new cases of leprosy in the years 2013 to 2015 by sample of municipalities of the State of Pernambuco with more than 100 new cases. Methodology: It is a study in secondary databases, through the Basic Data indicators of Brazil, a tool integral to the health information system, using quantitative analysis of variables. Results: Jaboatão dos Guararapes and Petrolina are municipalities that presented a significant increase in the number of new cases, contrasting the values from 2013 to 2015, with 256 and 283 respectively. On the other hand, Olinda and Recife in the same period, presented an expressive decrease, in which Olinda in 2013 obtained 225 new cases; in 2015, the number of new cases was 207. Recife was the municipality that presented the most expressive results of reduction of cases: from 603 new cases in 2013 to 484 new cases in 2015. Discussion: Although some municipalities present a reduction in new cases, in general it can be said that there were significant increases in the number of new cases when all counties. Conclusion: The analysis of these data show the need to reorganize on the deficiencies present in the programs and policies related to leprosy, as disregard the growing increases in new cases over the years is to allow the spread of a disease that can lead the individual to severe disability.

More information

Type
Journal Article
Author
Brazão G
Oliveira C F
Silva A T P
Silva T P S
Souge E B