Epidemiological profile of new leprosy cases in children under 15 years of age from 2016 to 2024 in the Araguaia Region-PA.

Abstract

Leprosy, a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, is characterized by a prolonged incubation period (average of 5 years) and clinical manifestations that include hypoesthetic skin lesions, neural impairment, and possible systemic involvement. Transmission occurs through respiratory secretions during prolonged close contact, although only a portion of those exposed develop the disease. The study aimed to assess the epidemiological profile and temporal trend of new leprosy cases in individuals under 15 years of age in the Araguaia region (Pará state) between 2016 and 2024. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, and quantitative investigation using data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) and population indicators from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Sociodemographic (sex, age group), clinical (number of lesions, degree of disability), and programmatic variables (mode of detection, treatment regimen, discharge reason) were analyzed. During the study period, 230 new cases were recorded, with an average incidence exceeding 10/100,000 inhabitants, classifying the region as hyperendemic. A predominance was observed in the 10–14 age group (70.9%), a slight male majority (53%), detection through spontaneous demand (52.2%), and adoption of the multibacillary regimen in 61.7% of patients. The cure rate reached 70%, while 8.7% abandoned treatment. At diagnosis, 79% had grade zero disability, 14.4% had some form of disability, and 5.6% were not evaluated, indicating gaps in protocol application. The results confirm the persistence of active leprosy transmission in pediatric populations in the Araguaia region, evidenced by hyperendemicity and the significant number of multibacillary cases in children. The predominance of spontaneous detection and failures in contact examination highlight the need to strengthen active surveillance, expand household screening, and ensure consistent application of diagnostic protocols, especially the Complementary Protocol for individuals under 15 years of age.