Update of the Epidemiology of the Sporotrichosis Epidemic in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Sporotrichosis is a disease not requiring jurisdictional notification and consequently is underreported in Brazil. Therefore, the epidemiological picture even in hyperendemic states is unknown. Thus, we evaluated the occurrence of sporotrichosis throughout the territory of the southern state of Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul (RS). METHODS: We update the epidemiological situation of sporotrichosis in the southern region of this state and describe the emergence of this disease in the Metropolitan region. We engaged professionals from RS enrolled in animal health care in answering a questionnaire regarding sporotrichosis. RESULTS: The occurrence of local cases of feline sporotrichosis was reported by 83% of the participants from 40 cities, distributed through the seven health districts of RS. Human sporotrichosis cases, transmitted by cats, were also reported by professionals from four regions of the state. The frequency of the disease in both the South and Metropolitan regions showed a marked increase in recent years. CONCLUSION: Feline and cat-transmitted human sporotrichosis is an underreported mycosis in RS, widely distributed in the territory of this state and increasing. Aggressive public health policies are urgently necessary to control the geographical expansion of this spreading mycosis.