Abstract
Introduction: Sporotrichosis is a zoonotic fungal disease that occurs widely in Brazil, especially in the state of Rio de Janeiro, where it is most prevalent in the Metropolitan Region. Within this context, the municipality of Nova Iguaçu has the highest prevalence, highlighting the importance of the disease and the need for sensitive and continuous health surveillance. Objective: To evaluate the spatial distribution and identify priority areas for the prevention and control of sporotrichosis in the municipality of Nova Iguaçu, Baixada Fluminense, based on statistical and epidemiological data from 2019 to 2024. Material and Methods: The data was obtained by collecting epidemiological information on sporotrichosis in animals and humans, using municipal databases and the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). This approach made it possible to identify areas most vulnerable to the spread of the disease in the municipality, as well as on the borders of Nova Iguaçu, during the study period. Results and Discussion: Between 2019 and 2024, sporotrichosis in Nova Iguaçu predominantly affected women (60.85%), with a higher incidence in the 40-59 age group, possibly due to frequent contact with cats, the main transmitters of the fungus. Although no cases were recorded in animals during the most critical period of the pandemic, the year 2023 showed a significant increase in occurrences, highlighting the importance of resuming surveillance and awareness-raising actions. Neighborhoods with high population density and poor infrastructure, such as Austin and Comendador Soares, showed a higher prevalence of cases, emphasizing the challenges in controlling sporotrichosis. Conclusion: Sporotrichosis in Nova Iguaçu is still neglected, which is reflected in the underreporting of dogs and cats with the disease, even in the face of a significant number of human cases. Animal underreporting is an obstacle to drawing up public policies, as treatment is expensive and the guardian often does not have adequate financial means. As a consequence, medication may be shared between guardian and animal, resulting in underdoses, or even the abandonment of sick animals, which exacerbates the problem by increasing the population of stray and infected animals on the streets.
Published Version
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