Cholera in Brazil during 1991-1998: socioeconomic characterization of affected areas
Waldman, E.Alves.; Antunes, Jé.Leopoldo.Ferreira.; Nichiata, Lúcia.Yazuko.Izumi.; Takahashi, R.Ferreira.; Cacavallo, R.Carvalho.
Journal of Health Population and Nutrition 20(1): 85-92
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 1606-0997 PMID: 12022164 DOI: 10.2307/23498728Document Number: 243694
The paper describes the trends in, and spatial patterns of, the incidence of cholera in Brazil from 1991 to 1998. During this period, 161 432 cases and 1296 deaths from cholera were reported. The poorest (North and Northeast) regions of the country had the highest morbidity and mortality rates. The remaining regions had self-limited outbreaks. Seventy-eight percent of affected municipalities had populations of fewer than 30 000, and about 65% of them lived in rural areas. The affected municipalities of the North and Northeast regions had consistent indications of deprivation: average Human Development Index was 0.41, infant mortality rate 90.3%, average life expectancy 59.4 years and adult illiteracy rate 46.5%. The epidemiological profile of the disease in Brazil highlights intra- and inter-regional socioeconomic differentials in the country and indicates the importance of planning and implementing public health interventions and specific policies aimed at reducing health inequalities.