HISTORICAL SERIES: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF HANTAVIROSIS IN BRAZIL IN THE LAST TEN YEARS WITH A FOCUS ON THE NORTHERN REGION

Abstract

Introduction: Hantavirus is an acute viral zoonosis transmitted by wild rodents. Transmission occurs primarily through the inhalation of aerosols contaminated with urine, feces, or saliva from infected rodents. Objective: To conduct a historical series on the epidemiological profile of hantavirus in Brazil over the last ten years, focusing on the North Region. Methodology: Retrospective study of typing and description of public data available in epidemiological bulletins from the Ministry of Health. Results: During the period, 660 cases of this viral infection were reported in Brazil, of which 241 (38.8%) resulted in death. Most cases were reported in the South Region (299 = 45.3%), but the region with the highest number of deaths was the Central-West Region (101 = 15.3%). The North region reported only 36 cases (5.5%) during the period, with Pará (31 = 4.7%) and Rondônia (4 = 0.6%). Amazonas had only one case and no deaths during the period. Conclusion: The increased incidence of this disease is linked to environmental changes, agricultural expansion, and rural activities that increase contact between infected wild rodents and the human population. Therefore, urgent measures are needed in these regions where this disease is rapidly expanding.