LEPROSY IN INDIGENOUS PEOPLES OF MARANHÃO IN THE PERIOD FROM 2016 TO 2020

Abstract

The article aims to describe the historical and epidemiological aspects of leprosy within the indigenous population. Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, historically known as leprosy, and is considered one of the oldest diseases in the world. It is transmitted through contact with multibacillary patients and can manifest itself through dermatological and neurological signs and symptoms such as lesions on the skin and peripheral nerves, especially in the region of the eyes, hands, and feet.  This study aimed to identify the cases of leprosy by skin lesions reported in the State of Maranhão in the periods from 2016 to 2020.  Descriptive and quantitative in nature, the methodology used was the database search in the Information System of Notifiable Diseases (SINAN) on the occurrences of leprosy in the indigenous population notified in the state of Maranhão, outlining its epidemiological profile.  The results obtained in the study, revealed that in the period 2016/20, 461 cases of leprosy in indigenous people were registered, of this amount the majority is male, age group between 15-19 years, clinical form and the year of higher prevalence of cases.  In view of the data, the importance of the Epidemiological Surveillance of the State and Municipalities, the notifications and the educational work with the indigenous population should be emphasized.