Analysis of the epidemiological profile of the Zika Virus in children and adolescents in the southeast region of Brazil from 2016 to 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Typically, it causes a mild disease, and it is worth noting that it can cause congenital anomalies and serious neurological complications. Objectives: To analyze the epidemiological profile of ZV in children and adolescents in the Southeast region of Brazil. Methods: This is a retrospective and descriptive ecological study prepared through the collection of data from the Disease Information and Notification System of the Information Technology Department of the Unified Health System. The data were collected in August 2024 regarding notifications from the ZV in the Southeast region of Brazil between 2016 and 2023. Results and Discussion: In this study, 22,991 cases of ZV were reported in the population aged between 1 year and up to 19 years in the period analyzed. Of this total, the majority (39.75%) were between 15 and 19 years old. With regard to sex, the largest number of cases with 59.65% correspond to females. In relation to color, the majority with 35.89% of cases refer to the unknown race/white. Conclusion: Therefore, more research needs to be carried out on ZV. Such knowledge can bring more understanding and ability to the public health system to act with robust and permanent mechanisms for populations at risk if new epidemics occur.