EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF MEASLES AND RUBELLA IN CHILDREN UNDER 15 YEARS OF AGE IN PARÁ: AN ANALYSIS FROM 2018 TO 2022.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Measles and Rubella are among the most prevalent exanthematous diseases in Brazil¹. They are highly contagious, systemic infectious diseases that present a classic clinical picture of skin lesions and most frequently affect children². Both are on the National Compulsory Notification List due to the risk they pose to public health³. Epidemiological analysis is necessary to understand disease patterns and to direct prevention and eradication strategies in the state of Pará. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiological profile of confirmed cases of Measles and Rubella in the state of Pará in children and adolescents aged 0 to 14 years, between 2018 and 2022. METHODOLOGY: This is a descriptive and quantitative epidemiological study with data obtained from SIH/SUS, via DATASUS. The data deal with confirmed cases of measles and rubella in the age group of 0 to 14 years, reported in Pará, in the period from 2018 to 2022, using the variables: year of diagnosis, federation unit, age group and race/color. RESULTS: In the period analyzed, there were a total of 202 cases of measles and rubella among children under 15 years of age, with the highest number of notifications occurring in 2020 (168). Pará recorded 200 cases of measles, accounting for 18.6% of cases in the North Region. In the same scenario, 2 cases of rubella were identified, being the state in the North Region with the highest notification. In terms of age group, children under 1 year were the most affected by measles (109), while rubella equally affected the age groups under 1 year and 5 to 9 years. The highest incidence of the disease occurred among brown people. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the need to strengthen prevention strategies, especially in expanding vaccination coverage and strengthening epidemiological surveillance. While rubella remains under control, measles continues to be a challenge, reflecting gaps in immunization and early detection of cases. Effective measures, such as awareness campaigns and improving access to health services, are essential to protect the child population and prevent new outbreaks of these diseases.