Epidemiological analysis of deaths from Herpes Zoster in Brazil during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: The Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a neurotropic human alpha herpes virus responsible for Chickenpox and Herpes zoster (HZ). Recently, the reactivation of HZ has been observed in individuals infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Objective: To perform a biostatistical analysis of deaths due to Herpes Zoster during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Methodology: A cross-sectional study on Herpes Zoster deaths recorded from 2020 to 2022. Statistical analysis was conducted through mean comparisons using Student's T-tests, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, and Anova tests. Results: The main findings included 375 death notifications, with an annual average of 125 deaths. The Southeast macro- region had the highest annual death numbers. Most reported deaths occurred in the white race (69%) with an age over 80 years (58%). Regarding the location of death, hospitals were predominant (85%). Conclusions: The results indicate that Herpes Zoster is a prevalent cause of death in Brazil and requires further studies to understand its relationship with the COVID- 19 pandemic.