Abstract
Objective: To outline the epidemiological profile of leprosy cases in order to correlate the number of leprosy lesions, the affected nerves and the early diagnosis of this disease. Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive and quantitative study. Available information on Leprosy was consulted in the Notification Disease Information System (SINAN) for the period from 2014 to 2018. The study variables were divided into number of notifications of the disease, related to: gender, age group, detection, degree of sequelae, clinical presentation, number of affected nerves, number of skin lesions and inability to cure. Results: Despite the decrease in the absolute number of leprosy diagnoses in Brazil, there was an increase in the state of Minas Gerais, in addition to the increase in the number of cutaneous lesions, the involvement of peripheral nerves, with a predominance of the clinical form most susceptible to leprosy reactions, the Dimorfa leprosy. Conclusion: The prevalence of leprosy is high and early diagnosis and prompt implementation of treatment are paramount to reduce the mortality rate and complications caused by the disease.