EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE FREQUENCY OF MALARIA CASES ACCORDING TO AGE GROUP, SEX, AND RACE IN BRAZIL BETWEEN 2019 AND 2024

Abstract

Malaria is a parasitic infectious disease caused by protozoa belonging to the genus Plasmodium, transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito, constituting a significant public health problem in tropical regions. The disease is characterized by an initial hepatic invasion followed by the destruction of red blood cells, triggering manifestations such as fever, headache, chills, and nausea, and may progress to severe forms mainly associated with Plasmodium falciparum, including hemolytic anemia, pulmonary edema, and neurological impairment. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological profile of malaria cases in Brazil between 2019 and 2024 using data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN/DATASUS), considering the variables race, age group, and sex. A total of 2,763 cases were recorded during the analyzed period, with a predominance of mixed-race individuals (51.50%), adults aged 20 to 39 years (46.91%), and males (74.09%). The findings demonstrate a higher occurrence of infection among economically active populations exposed to occupational activities in endemic areas, reinforcing the importance of epidemiological surveillance, early diagnosis, vector control, and screening of asymptomatic carriers to reduce disease transmission, morbidity, and mortality.