Keywords
Oral transmission
Food contamination
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Abstract
Objective: To analyze the epidemiological profile of acute Chagas disease in the state of Pará from 2015 to 2023, considering the predominance of oral transmission and its impacts on the dynamics of the disease’s occurrence. Methods: This is a qualitative research study, of a descriptive and retrospective nature, based on the analysis of secondary data from the Information System for Notifiable Diseases (SINAN). Results: During the analyzed period (2015– 2023), 2,297 cases of oral transmission were confirmed, representing 88.6% of all acute Chagas disease cases in the state. The epidemiological profile showed a predominance in males (54.3%) and females (45.7%), with the highest concentration of cases occurring in adults aged 20–39 years (34.4%) and 40–59 years (24.7%). The findings indicate that oral transmission—often associated with the consumption of regional foods such as açaí—presents a greater potential for clinical severity and is linked to outbreaks and rapid progression of cases. It was also observed that laboratory diagnosis continues to be the main confirmation criterion, although clinical–epidemiological investigation plays a decisive role. Conclusion: The study reinforces the need to strengthen surveillance actions, health education, and food safety strategies, as oral transmission has become consolidated as the main mode of infection in Pará.
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