Epidemiological analysis of rash diseases in childhood in the Northeast

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Exanthematous diseases, with an emphasis on Measles and Rubella, are infectious diseases in which skin rash is the main clinical manifestation, but they can also present systemic manifestations. They are caused by viruses or bacteria and are common in medical practice, being quite prevalent in the pediatric age group. OBJECTIVE: To determine the epidemiological profile of exanthematous diseases in childhood, in all northeastern states, between the years 2018 and 2022. METHODOLOGY: This is a retrospective, quantitative and descriptive study, with data collection carried out in the System Information on Notifiable Diseases (SINAN), obtained through DATASUS. The states, year of notification, sex and age group were analyzed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS: In total there were 751 cases in the 9 states of the Northeast. With a higher number of notifications in the state of Pernambuco 428 cases (56.99%), followed by Bahia 78 cases (10.38%) and with a lower number in Piauí, 16 cases (2.13%). In terms of gender, men account for a total of 385 (51.25%), and women 366 (48.73%), with a certain majority being male. Regarding the age group, up to 14 years old, the most affected are children under 1 year old, with 178 cases (23.7%). The year with the highest notifications was 2019, with a total of 556 cases (74.03%), followed by the year with 91 cases (12.11%). CONCLUSION: It is observed that even with campaigns and vaccines against exanthematous diseases (measles and rubella), which are offered in Primary Care, the number of children affected by these pathologies is still alarming. Through research, a greater incidence is observed in boys and children under 1 year of age, in the state of Pernambuco. Therefore, measures must be taken to provide greater protection for children and for better outcomes from these diseases.