EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF LEPROSY IN BRAZIL: THE REFLECTION OF THE PANDEMIC AND ITS ELIMINATION GOALS

Abstract

Introduction: Leprosy is an infectious, chronic, granulomatous disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, which was very prevalent in Europe during the 16th century and currently affects about 200,000 people worldwide. Hansen's disease can affect any predisposed individual of any age group. It usually manifests itself through dermatoneurological signs and symptoms, such as skin and peripheral nerve lesions, the main nerves affected are: median, radial, ulnar, tibial, fibular and facial. Objective: to describe the epidemiological profile of leprosy in Brazil from 2017 to 2022, and to correlate with the pandemic period and with the indicators of the World Health Organization. Methodology: This is a descriptive, epidemiological and temporal study, in which temporality brings a sequence of data obtained at regular intervals of time during a specific period (2017 to 2022). Conclusion: the study highlights the importance of health education as a necessary coping tool to enlighten the Brazilian population about the disease, its consequences, form of prevention and especially to demystify the negative aspects, such as incurability, mutilation, rejection and social exclusion.