An overview of visceral leishmaniasis in the city of Gurupi, south region of Tocantins

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an endemic disease in the region of Gurupi, with higher prevalence in the pediatric age group, aggravated by the high morbidity and low prophylaxis and prevention strategies of this anthropozoonosis. Objective: To characterize the data reported in the municipality of Gurupi - TO in the years 2013 to 2020 and to outline the epidemiological profile of the disease by determining the risk factors for high prevalence of the disease in this locality. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive epidemiological research, retrospective and documental based, extracted from the database of SINAN (Notifiable Diseases Information System) of Gurupi in the interval between 2013 and 2020. Evaluative questionnaires were applied to all patients notified and found, analyzing the variables described in the study and subsequent statistical application of the chi-square test. Results: In the city of Gurupi, the most affected age group was between 2 and 9 years (37.29%); the most affected gender was male (66.10%); the year of highest prevalence was the year 2017 a total of 37.28% of cases in the analyzed period; and the location of highest prevalence in the municipality were the neighborhoods farthest from the city center.  As for the probable sites for contamination, most people point to their own home as a source of contamination. Conclusion: The epidemiological cut shows the prevalence of VL in the city of Gurupi and highlights the need for preventive intervention protocols for the prevention of the disease in endemic areas to decrease morbidity and mortality and control the number of cases.