Analysis of the epidemiological tendency of leprosy in the microregion of Almenara, state of Minas Gerais: 1998-2004

Abstract

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease and is considered a public health problem in Brazil. This study intends to analyze the epidemiology of leprosy in the micro-region of Almenara, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. It is an epidemiological, ecological study. The region was chosen because of its epidemiological and social importance in controlling the epidemic. Data was collected through the Leprosy Reporting Forms of the Minas Gerais State Health Office from 1998 to 2004, as processed and analyzed with the program EPI-INFO. There were 1046 leprosy cases reported in the Jequitinhonha Valley, of which 609 (58.2%) in the Almenara micro-region. The high rates (average of 5,07/10.000 inhab) indicate a hyper-endemic situation. Most cases were multibacillary clinical forms (69.9%) and increasing. Cases found by active search were only 8.4% of the total. Among the records, 45.8% had some kind of disability (11.2% 2nd degree), of which 61.2% were men. The results suggest that the micro-region is a priority for the elimination of leprosy in the State of Minas Gerais. The low number of cases diagnosed through contact examination, the great number of multibacillary clinical forms and/or with some disability, suggest that health services are passive, which results in a late diagnostic. This situation suggests the need to intensify control measures, through decentralization, reinforcing the role of the primary health care, increasing the awareness of the local population and training health workers.