Epidemiologia da hanseníase no Rio Grande do Norte: 2014–2023

Abstract

Introduction: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae and classified among the main neglected tropical diseases. Brazil ranks second worldwide in the number of reported cases, remaining an endemic area. Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological profile and spatial distribution of leprosy cases in the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), Brazil, to support the planning of surveillance and control actions. Method: This is a descriptive ecological epidemiological study based on the analysis of new leprosy cases reported in the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) between 2014 and 2023. Detection rates of new cases per 1,000 inhabitants were calculated, and spatial distribution analysis was performed. Results: A total of 2,395 new cases were reported, distributed across 82.0% of the municipalities in RN, with cases occurring in individuals under 15 years of age in 21.5% of them, suggesting ongoing transmission. The municipalities of Fernando Pedroza (9.09) and Olho d’Água do Borges (7.12) presented the highest detection rates in the general population, while Vila Flor (2.66) and Galinhos (1.53) showed the highest rates among individuals aged 0–14 years. Most cases occurred in adults (61.4%); 55.6% were male, 69.6% were Black/Brown, and 75.1% had low or no schooling. The most frequent clinical form was dimorphic (34.2%), with predominance of the multibacillary classification (65.3%), and 9.6% of cases presented Grade 2 Physical Disability at diagnosis. Conclusions: These findings reinforce the need to strengthen surveillance actions, expand contact investigation, and improve Primary Health Care capacity for early diagnosis and disability prevention.