Spatial dynamics of COVID-19 cases in a state in the southeast region of Brazil

Abstract

This study analyzed the progression of COVID-19 in the State of Espírito Santo, identifying the areas where the disease spread furthest. Temporal and spatial analysis were performed based on confirmed cases of the disease reported in the eSUS/VS System - State Health Department, from March 2020 to February 2021. The highest incidence was noted in July (ranging from 146.1 to 2,099.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the municipalities of Espírito Santo State), with the majority being females, people aged 20 to 39 years and residents in cities in the metropolitan region. A positive and complete high association (p < 0.05) was identified in all months, with clusters containing a greater number of municipalities in April, May and June 2020 in the Central region of the state. The results of the present study indicated a continuous spread of COVID-19 since its introduction, especially in the cities in the Central region of the State of Espírito Santo. These findings present an important aid for decision making regarding the most effective strategies to control the disease. Furthermore, individual and collective protection measures against the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 must be encouraged. KEY WORDS: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; pandemic; spatial analysis; epidemiology; Espirito Santo.