Epidemiological profile of visceral leishmaniosis in gurupi - tocantins between the years 2013 to 2018

Introduction: Visceral Leishmaniasis is an endemoepidermal anthropozoonosis caused by a protozoa of the species Leishmania chagasi. According to brasilian health surveillance, in recent years, there has been increasing the number of cases in the northern region. Objective: Because it is an endemic pathology of great relevance in the world scenario and due to the increase in the number of cases in the north region and especially in Tocantins, research is justified to quantify and compare the trend of epidemiological indicators related to leishmaniosis. Methods: A descriptive, retrospective and documentary cross-sectional study of cases registered in the Informatics Department of the Unified Health System was conducted from 2013 to 2018. Two epidemiological indicators and an operational indicator in addition to statistical software were used to compose and analyze the results. Results: The year 2013 presented the highest number of reported cases, 279 in Tocantins and 10 in Gurupi. There was a significant drop in 2015 and 2016 in Gurupi, with a significant increase in 2017 and 2018, including the number of hospitalizations. At the municipal and state level, children under 10 years of age remain as the age group with the highest prevalence and number of hospitalizations in Gurupi, as well as the predominance of incidence in males. Conclusion: The results indicate that was an increase in reported cases of visceral leishmaniasis and that this high incidence prevails in males and children under 10 years of age, besides being influenced by environmental, economic and sociocultural factors. Prophylactic measures have been insufficient to avoid the incidence of pathology, as hospitalizations have increased. The need for prophylactic actions, with socio-educational measures and an early diagnosis, especially in children, to morbidity and mortality reduction.