Perfil epidemiológico dos casos novos de hanseníase no município de Teófilo Otoni, MG: uma análise de 2001 a 2008

Abstract

Introduction: Leprosy is an ancient disease, infectious and contagious nature of which, if untreated, can cause physical deformities and disabilities. It is considered a public health problem in several countries, including Brazil. The World Health Organization aims to eliminate it by the year 2010. Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of new leprosy cases in the city of Teófilo Otoni, Minas Gerais, from 2001 to 2008. Methods: This is an epidemiological study, descriptive, which used available from the computer Department of the SUS - DATASUS. Results: We recorded in the period, 716 new cases of leprosy, and 65,4% female, age 40 to 59 years (39%) were most affected, with the record of 39 (5,4% ) cases of leprosy in children under 15 years. The incidence rate showed a significant increase by 2005, down from 2006. The class was the dominant operating multibacillary (84,4%); the disease has affected more mulatto (55,9%) and predominated in residents in the urban area, with 88.6% of cases. The main reason for exit was cure, corresponding to 86,6% of cases. There was a predominance of patients with fewer years of schooling, 42% of patients were from 5 th to 8 th grade of incomplete primary education. Conclusions: The study identified that the incidence of leprosy in the city of Teófilo Otoni/ MG walks for elimination and the findings of the epidemiological profile are worrying, considering that are economically active age group and potentially the principal disseminators of disease.