SPATIAL ANALYSIS AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CASES OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SIMÃO DIAS, NORTHEAST OF BRAZIL

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the spatial distribution and the epidemiological characteristics of schistosomiasis in the municipalityof Simão Dias, Sergipe, Brazil. It consists of an epidemiological, descriptive and cross-sectional study. The parasitological investigation was conducted through examination of fecal material of 3,472 samples in 2011. The positive cases of Schistosoma mansoni were geo-referenced using the absolute method with instant positioning of a point, with the aid of a GPS receiver to the spatial location of households where there were cases of schistosomiasis. For spatial data analysis and visual identification of patterns of case distribution and density, the kernel estimator was utilised, and the analyzes performed by TerraView software, version 4.2.0. Themunicipality ofSimão Dias is an area of low endemicity for schistosomiasis, presenting a prevalence of 4.3%. The individuals most affected by the infection were male, aged 10-39, of mixed ethnicity, single and with a family income of 1-2 minimum wages. Spatial analysis, based on the Kernel density estimator, mapped three regions presenting risk for transmission of schistosomiasis: Pau de Leite, Açude and Curral dos Bois. Although the surveys demonstrated the occurrence of schistosomiasis, there is still no sign of effective preventive measures being implemented in the region. The spatial analysis techniques applied may act as an important methodological tool for monitoring and controlling this parasitic disease.