Epidemiological Analysis of Chikungunya in Northeastern Brazil: A integrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36557/2674-8169.2025v7n4p433-443Keywords:
Chikungunya vírus, Northeast, BrazilAbstract
Introduction: The Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), belonging to the Togaviridae family, is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and causes fever, intense arthralgia, headache, and myalgia. It emerged in Tanzania in 1953 and has spread globally, including to Brazil in 2014, primarily affecting the Northeast region. Severe manifestations, such as neurological complications, may occur, particularly in vulnerable populations. This study analyzes spatial and socioeconomic factors influencing the dissemination and impact of the disease in Northeast Brazil.Methodology: An integrative literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, using the PubMed database. The search focused on studies about Chikungunya in Northeast Brazil, published in the last five years, in Portuguese and English. Of 78 references, 27 were excluded due to publication date and 44 due to thematic inadequacy. After an independent analysis by two researchers, seven relevant studies were selected. Results and Discussion: Chikungunya, caused by the CHIKV, poses a public health challenge in Northeast Brazil, with 1,154,535 cases reported between 2015 and 2021 and significant outbreaks in states such as Ceará, Piauí, and Bahia. Socioeconomic disadvantages, low vegetation coverage, and precarious water supply increase the disease's incidence. Older adults and children are more vulnerable, with higher lethality in populations with comorbidities. Epidemic peaks occur seasonally, particularly from February to July, with outbreaks concentrated in densely populated urban areas. Despite progress, epidemiological surveillance faces challenges, such as low laboratory confirmation (78.6% of probable cases) and underreporting of deaths (10% unregistered). In addition to common symptoms like fever and arthralgia, severe complications include encephalitis and mortality linked to chronic comorbidities. The analysis highlights the need to improve urban infrastructure and strengthen surveillance to control the disease's spread and minimize its impact in the region. Conclusion:Chikungunya challenges public health in Northeast Brazil due to socioeconomic and environmental factors and inadequate infrastructure. Integrated strategies and robust surveillance are essential.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Sandro Márcio Andrade Castro, Carina Oliveira Silva Lopes, Camilla Silva Pierote, Andressa Francielle Neves Gonçalves, Christiane Pinheiro Fagundes Guimarães, Lorenna Nascimento Antunes, Alvacir Da Cruz Brito, Francisca Joelma Rodrigues De Lima, Alessandra Isabella Coelho Santos Monteiro, Yago Franklin Dos Santos Pereira, Lua Costa De Castro Machado, Flávia Luísa Novais Gomes, Gabriela De Medeiros Fazio Oliveira , Cleison Da Silva Fernandes, João Pedro Alves Nascimento
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