Epidemiological Profile of Leptospirosis in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of leptospirosis in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methodology: An epidemiológical, quantitative and descriptive was carried out on the cases of leptospirosis notified to the Health Department of the State of Minas Gerais, obtained through the Notifiable Diseases Information System, from January 1, 2007 to December 31 December 2018. The sociodemographic, epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and evolution information of the cases present in the SINAN notification form were selected as analysis variables. These were analyzed using descriptive epidemiology and the epidemiological indicators of incidence and lethality were calculated, according to the municipalities in which they occurred. Results: 1715 notifications were recorded, of which 1291 were confirmed and 147 died. The average lethality found was 11.38%. Cases, deaths and cures showed a significant increase during December, January and February. The most affected city was Belo Horizonte. There was a predominance of infection among men. Women had a higher percentage of deaths. The disease affected adults, whites and light browns, with incomplete elementary education and residents of the urban area. The most frequent epidemiological exposure was ‘signs of rodents’. The disease was related to work. The main infection site was the urban area. The most common signs and symptoms were fever, myalgia, headache, prostration and vomiting. Most cases proceeded with hospitalization, where most deaths occurred. The main confirmation criterion was laboratory tests. Conclusion: The death rates and the epidemiological profile identified highlight the need for further research to develop prevention and contingency strategies for this population.