Spatial-temporal distribution of visceral leishmaniasis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2001–2020: expansion and challenges

Abstract

Abstract Background Visceral leishmaniasis results from complex interactions among humans, dogs and environment. Brazil accounts for 97% of cases in the Americas. Methods Twenty years (2001–2020) of the endemic disease in the state of Rio de Janeiro were studied. Incidence, lethality, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were investigated, complemented with spatial methodologies (kernel and clusters). Results Ninety-seven human cases and 625 dogs were reported. Of the 92 cities, 22 were human endemic areas. The state had a low incidence level (0.6 per 100 000). Lethality was higher compared with the Brazilian average. More than 90% of infections occurred in urban areas. Most cases (66%) occurred in men. The predominant age groups were 0–4 y (28.7%) and 20–39 y (32.9%). Fever (89.5%), splenomegaly (83.2%) and hepatomegaly (76.8%) were the main clinical manifestations. Spatial analysis showed a displacement of the human endemic: in the first decade (2001–2010), cases were concentrated in the Metropolitan region, and in the second decade (2011–2020) in the Médio Paraíba region of the state. Most of the endemic area (56.4%) had canine infections without reported human cases. Conclusions Disorderly urbanisation and precarious living conditions favour the transmission of the disease. Changes in the environment and migratory processes contribute to its expansion.