Epidemiological aspects of spotted fever in Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To describe the epidemiological panorama of spotted fever in Brazil from 2018 to 2023. Methods: This is a descriptive, retrospective, and longitudinal study with data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System and the Health and Environmental Surveillance Secretariat. The study variables were confirmed cases by region of the country, education, sex, ethnicity, age group, and deaths. The data were stored in electronic spreadsheets and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The southeast region had the highest number of cases, with a significant increase in 2023. Men aged 40 to 59 were the most affected, with a higher proportion of cases of the disease in individuals with low education. In seasonal terms, the spring months had the highest peaks in cases. Mortality remains high, especially in regions with limited access to health services. Conclusion: Spotted fever continues to be a significant public health threat in Brazil, especially in the southeast, where higher population density, favorable ecological conditions and contact with vectors facilitate its spread. Regional and sociodemographic disparities indicate the need for more effective prevention and treatment strategies.