Leprosy in subjects under 15 Years: Epidemiological analysis in Brazil

This article analyzes the epidemiological profile of leprosy in the age group from 0 to 14 years, in the municipalities that constitute the VI Brazilian Regional Health Management Office (GERES) in the state of Pernambuco, from 2005 to 2014. This is a study with an exploratory and retrospective design using the Brazilian National Disease Notification System (SINAN). In the decade under analysis, 613 cases of leprosy were registered – 11.2% involving subjects under 15 years of age. There is a downward tendency since 2005, with a marked increase in the year 2012 and a new decrease since 2013. The incidence of cases had a pattern compatible with the high magnitude of this disease in the region, observed in 92.3% of the municipalities analyzed. It is concluded that leprosy persists as a serious public health issue in Brazil, despite the control measure put in place, such as the SANAR Program (for neglected diseases) and action plans in the municipalities with higher incidence of this pathology.