ASSESSMENT OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS OUTBREAKS REPORTED IN THE NORTHEAST REGION OF BRAZIL FROM 2019 TO 2024

Abstract

Foodborne illnesses constitute a significant public health problem, mainly caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or their toxins. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological profile of foodborne illness outbreaks in the Northeast region of Brazil from 2019 to 2024, using secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), provided by DATASUS. This is an ecological, descriptive, and retrospective study, in which variables related to the number of exposed and ill individuals, the identified etiological agents, and the geographical distribution of outbreaks were analyzed. The results showed a reduction in the number of reported cases in 2020 and 2021, possibly associated with the sanitary measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the occurrence of possible underreporting. From 2022 onwards, a progressive increase in reported cases was observed, particularly in the state of Pernambuco, which presented the highest number of outbreaks recorded during the analyzed period. Among the main etiological agents identified were Enterobacter spp., Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella spp., microorganisms frequently associated with inadequate food handling, storage failures, and non-compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices. Additionally, a high proportion of outbreaks with unidentified etiological agents were found, highlighting limitations in epidemiological and laboratory investigation processes. It is concluded that foodborne illnesses remain recurrent in the Northeast region, emphasizing the need to strengthen epidemiological surveillance actions, health education, sanitary inspection, and the effective implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices, aiming at the prevention and control of these health problems.