EPIDEMIOLOGY OF LEPTOSPIROSIS IN BRAZIL: CONFIRMED CASES BETWEEN 2010 AND 2023

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonosis with a significant public health impact in Brazil. Between 2010 and 2023, 32,457 cases were confirmed, with the highest concentration in the South and Southeast regions, reflecting both climatic conditions and high population density. The most affected population was young men aged 20 to 39, due to occupational exposure in high-risk activities such as construction and agriculture. The disease follows a seasonal pattern, with peaks during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding, increasing contact with contaminated water. The fatality rate is three times higher than that of dengue, reflecting the severity of the disease. The research also revealed regional disparities, with most cases occurring in urban areas, but also a significant incidence in rural and periurban areas. The lack of proper sanitation infrastructure and unfavorable socioeconomic conditions amplify the risks. Despite advances in diagnostics and treatments, leptospirosis continues to be a public health challenge, requiring the implementation of more effective public health policies focused on sanitation and greater attention to vulnerable populations.