Epidemiological, clinical, and geographical characterization of Leprosy in the County of Santarém-Pará: Insights for effective control and targeted intervention.

Leprosy is an infectious disease characterized by slow and chronic evolution, caused by Mycobacterium leprae and or Mycobacterium lepromatosis, an intracellular alcohol-acid-resistant (BAAR) bacillus. The objective of this study was to provide an epidemiological, clinical, and geographic characterization of leprosy in the city of Santarém-Pará during the period 2011-2020. A cross-sectional, descriptive, and quantitative approach was used, employing maps and tables to illustrate clinical and epidemiological variables, including: sex, age, race, area of residence, operational classification, clinical form, number of skin lesions, number of affected nerves, and health units. During the analyzed period, 581 cases of leprosy were diagnosed, resulting in the following cumulative incidence rates: male (60%); age over 15 years (94%); urban area (73%); multibacillary (74%); borderline form (46%); skin lesions greater than 5 (34%); and no nerves affected (68%). In the urban perimeter, a higher cumulative incidence of cases was observed in the central area with 133 cases. However, the health unit reporting the largest number of cases belonged to the southern area, specifically the Basic Health Unit of Nova República, with 48 cases. This study highlights the need to characterize the nuances of leprosy and its variability within the urban environment, according to different areas. Further research is essential to inform the implementation of public policies aimed at addressing the population with the highest vulnerability index, thereby reducing leprosy rates in Santarém.

Epidemiological Evaluation of Events Allegedly Attributable to COVID-19 Vaccination: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Brazilian Amazon.

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2, leading to the widespread outbreak of COVID-19, has unveiled a spectrum of symptoms and severe health complications, challenging healthcare systems and impacting millions of lives worldwide. To analyze events allegedly attributable to vaccination or immunization (ESAVI) against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in the municipality of Santarém, in the interior of the state of Pará, an epidemiological, descriptive study was conducted using data from e-SUS Notifica in Santarém/PA from January 2021 to January 2022. The analyzed data for ESAVI cases included the administered immunobiologicals (Coronavac, Covishield, and Comirnaty), the type of event, case progression, time in days between immunobiological administration, and symptom onset, causality, and classification of ESAVI according to the vaccine package inserts. The incidence rate of ESAVI due to the COVID-19 vaccine was 17 per 100,000 doses administered in the municipality. According to the ESAVI classification, 14.0% were classified as Serious ESAVI (ESAVIG) (IR: 8.12 per 100,000 doses administered), with 100% of these events resulting in full recovery without sequelae, and 82.4% of reported cases were classified as Non-Serious ESAVI (ESAVING) (IR: 47.78), of which 3.60% were immunization errors (IR: 2.08 IE per 100,000 doses). This study fosters discussion on the importance of accurate recording of ESAVI related to COVID-19 vaccines, demonstrating their safety for the population.

Empowering Riverine Communities in the Amazon: Strategies for Preventing Rabies.

Rabies, caused by the Lyssavirus genus, is a highly lethal zoonotic disease transmitted by animals such as bats and domestic and wild carnivores to humans, claiming nearly 100% of lives. In Brazil, recent evidence suggests an increasing role of bats in human deaths from rabies, particularly in the Amazon region. This neglected tropical disease disproportionately affects impoverished and vulnerable populations in rural areas, where approximately 80% of human cases are concentrated. This article presents research conducted in riverine communities of the Tapajós/Arapiuns Extractive Reserve in Brazil to combat rabies in September 2022. The study adopted a participatory and collaborative approach, involving community members, healthcare professionals, and educators. Prioritizing proactive interventions, the health team administered prophylactic vaccinations to 30 individuals residing in communities exposed to the Lyssavirus. Educational activities focused on dispelling myths and raising awareness about preventive measures, with 100% of individuals reporting prior doubts about the disease, emphasizing the essential nature of the clarification, especially regarding preventive aspects. This study underscores the importance of community involvement, personalized interventions, and ongoing education to effectively combat rabies. By reinforcing public health policies and promoting health education, we can empower communities to take proactive measures in rabies prevention, leading to a reduction in incidence and an improvement in quality of life.

O perfil discente e desempenho acadêmico de universitários em tempos de pandemia Covid-19

O objetivo desse estudo consistiu em avaliar o perfil e o desempenho de acadêmicos de cursos da área da saúde em tempos de pandemia Covid-19 em uma Universidade pública localizada no interior da Amazônia. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo-quantitativo, realizado por meio de um questionário online com 50 acadêmicos de idade entre 18 a 52 anos no período de setembro a novembro de 2021. Os resultados mostraram que a maioria dos acadêmicos participantes foram mulheres (82%), apontaram estado civil de solteiro (76%) e com renda mensal de até dois salários mínimos (62%). Durante a pandemia os participantes conseguiram manter suas atividades físicas de pelo menos três vezes na semana (42%) e a maioria (66%) não apresentou vínculo empregatício. Quanto as questões de saúde os resultados mostraram que os acadêmicos (60%) não testaram positivo para Covid-19 até dia 30 de novembro de 2021 e não necessitaram de afastamentos e/ou internações por motivos de doenças (76%). Em relação ao desempenho acadêmico, discentes relataram (62%) apresentar espaço para estudos em domicílio, o uso celular para assistir as aulas (50%) através do wifi (68%), que não ter aulas práticas impacta negativamente no desempenho (82%), e que tiveram dificuldades em algum momento com assuntos trabalhados online (90%). Verificou-se que a maior dificuldade dos acadêmicos esteve relacionada ao entendimento dos conteúdos na sala de aula virtual. A partir dos resultados, conclui-se que o momento pandêmico ocasionado pelo novo coronavírus afetou a forma de ensino aprendizagem desses universitários e trouxe desafios importantes que influenciaram no desempenho acadêmico.