Notifications of Leptospirosis in the State of Ceará - Brazil, from 2013 to 2019: Profile of Cases and Factors Associated with the Incidence

Objective: This study proposes an epidemiological analysis and distribution of human cases of leptospirosis reported in the State of Ceará, from 2013 to 2019.

Methods: Descriptive study, with data on leptospirosis accidents reported in the Notifiable Diseases Information System between 2013 and 2019.

Results: 344 cases and 24 deaths were reported, with emphasis on the second two months (41%), corresponding to an average annual incidence of 0.54/105 inhabitants and a fatality rate equal to 2.2% per year, directly related to rainfall rates. Of those affected by the disease, 72% were aged 20 to 59, 76% were men, 88% considered themselves black, 39% were residents of urban areas and 59% did not report their education; 87% were diagnosed using clinical-laboratory criteria and 76% were cured.

Conclusion: There was an increase in reports of leptospirosis associated with rainfall, mainly affecting the economically active population, most of whom live on the social margins.