EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES OF PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: MEASLES AND RUBELLA IN PARAÍBA BETWEEN 2015 AND 2025

Abstract

Introduction: Measles and rubella are exanthematous diseases of major public health relevance due to their high transmissibility and associated complications, especially among vulnerable populations. The decline in vaccination coverage observed in recent years has contributed to the reemergence of these diseases in Brazil. Objective: To analyze the epidemiological profile of reported measles and rubella cases in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, between 2015 and 2025. Methodology: A descriptive and quantitative epidemiological study was conducted using secondary data obtained from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). The variables analyzed included year of notification, sex, race/color, age group, and health macro-region of residence. Results: A total of 747 measles and rubella cases were reported during the study period, with the highest occurrence in 2019, accounting for 44.3% of notifications. A slight predominance of males (51%) was observed, as well as a higher frequency among mixed-race individuals (56.49%) and children aged 1 to 4 years (36.8%). Health Macro-region I, corresponding to the João Pessoa region, concentrated 67.1% of the reported cases. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need to strengthen epidemiological surveillance actions and expand vaccination coverage, contributing to outbreak prevention and supporting public health planning and disease control strategies.