Schistosomiasis in an Endemic Area: Epidemiological Profile and Disease Control Measures

Resumo

Introduction: In Brazil, schistosomiasis is considered a public health problem, mainly affecting rural areas and urban outskirts with inadequate sanitation. In the municipality of Jaboatão dos Guararapes, there are still rural areas, and only part of the territory has adequate sanitation. Due to these factors and the continued occurrence of the disease, the municipality needs to define intersectoral strategies for disease control, such as controlling the proliferation of snails, improving sanitation, and raising awareness through health education for at-risk populations.Objective: To analyze the epidemiological profile of schistosomiasis and describe the control measures used in the municipality of Jaboatão dos Guararapes.Methods: This study consisted of cross-sectional epidemiological research with a descriptive approach. The study was developed using secondary data obtained through SISPCE, encompassing reported cases of schistosomiasis in the municipality of Jaboatão dos Guararapes - PE, from January 2022 to June 2024. The data were evaluated based on the total number of tests performed, the number of positive cases, and the distribution of cases by age group and sex.Results and Discussion: According to SISPCE, 9,713 parasitological stool tests were conducted in the municipality of Jaboatão dos Guararapes, with 6,008 (61.8%) performed on females, 1,923 (19.8%) on individuals aged 51 to 60, followed by 1,517 (15.6%) on individuals aged 61 to 70. Of these, 217 individuals tested positive for the disease.Regarding control measures, the Epidemiological Surveillance routinely provides antiparasitic drugs, such as praziquantel. This medication is essential for treating infected individuals and helps reduce the parasitic load in the community. Additionally, there is a program encouraging healthcare professionals to carry out educational initiatives to inform the population about the risks of the disease, modes of transmission, and preventive measures. The program also promotes community participation in control and prevention actions, such as eliminating snail breeding sites. Another important strategy is the decentralization of parasitological stool tests, which are now conducted by health units, providing the population with more timely access to testing and treatment for the disease. However, despite all the actions taken by the municipal health department, success in combating schistosomiasis depends on an integrated approach involving collaboration among various government sectors and active participation from affected communities.Conclusion: Investment in research, public policies, and control programs is essential to eliminate schistosomiasis as a health problem in Brazil, thus promoting a better quality of life for the population.