[Hansen's disease in children under fifteen years-old in Jequitinhonha Valley, Minas Gerais, Brazil]

Rev Bras Enferm. 2007 Nov-Dec;60(6):696-700. doi: 10.1590/s0034-71672007000600014.
[Article in Portuguese]

Abstract

Hansen's disease has a slow evolution, which mostly affects the adult population. Detecting cases in children shows that the endemic continues and there is early exposure of the population to the bacillus. This is an ecological study with the objective of analyzing the occurrence of Hansen's disease in children under fifteen in the Jequitinhonha Valley through epidemiological and operational indicators. The results show that the endemic continues in the region, demonstrating that the health services are not proactive and must implement specific prevention and control measures for this age group in order to reduce the transmission of the disease and the possible damage it can bring to the life of individuals, especially when it affects them in their childhood.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leprosy / epidemiology*
  • Male