Abstract
Objective: To examine the number of new cases of leprosy in Piauí in the year 2017. Methods: a descriptive epidemiological study of quantitative approach performed by means of secondary data from the Information System on Notifiable Diseases (SINAN) in the state of Piauí in year 2017 regarding new cases of leprosy. Results: The total number of new cases registered in the period analyzed was 1,020. The greatest number of cases occurred in the population with the age range of 50 to 59 years (19%) in males (53%). Taking into consideration the clinical forms, the DIMORPHOUS represents 46% of the confirmed cases. In relation to the cutaneous lesions, 2 to 5 lesions were observed in 67% of cases. In relation to the nerves affected, 96% were affected less than or equal to 5 nerves. As to the type of output, 69% evolved to cure. The majority of cases had disability grade 0. Conclusion: in spite of most of the cases to obtain cure result, it is still necessary to apply prevention methods to control the incidence of the problem, tends in view that a neglectful disease is considered and it can cause irreversible damages.