Epidemiological profile of leprosy in children under fifteen years of age from 2015 to 2024 in the capital of Alagoas

Abstract

Introduction: Leprosy is a chronic, neglected, and notifiable infectious disease that still presents active transmission in several regions of Brazil, especially in contexts of social vulnerability. Its occurrence in children under 15 years of age indicates failures in the control of the transmission chain and demands specific attention. Objective: To analyze the epidemiological profile of leprosy cases in children under 15 years of age in the city of Maceió, Alagoas, from 2015 to 2024. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional, retrospective study with a quantitative approach, using data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), obtained through DATASUS. The variables analyzed included age group, sex, race, education level, clinical presentation, mode of admission, and mode of discharge of cases. Results: A total of 46 reported cases were identified, with a predominance of patients aged 10 to 14 years (63%), males (74%), and brown (78.3%). The most prevalent clinical form was borderline (39%), followed by tuberculoid (28%). A reduction in reports was observed after 2020, possibly associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 70% of cases were cured. Conclusion: The data reveal the persistence of leprosy in children and adolescents, especially in vulnerable populations, reinforcing the need for intersectoral strategies for early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and prevention. Qualified primary care, combined with health education and improved epidemiological surveillance, is essential for combating the disease and protecting children and adolescents.