EPIDEMIOLOGICAL OVERVIEW OF ACUTE CHAGAS DISEASE CASES IN BRAZIL (2013–2023)

Abstract

The chapter presents an epidemiological analysis of confirmed cases of acute Chagas disease reported in Brazil between 2013 and 2023, based on secondary data from SINAN/DATASUS. During this period, 3,389 cases were recorded, with a marked concentration in the Northern Region, which accounted for 95.4% of notifications, highlighting the persistence of this area as the main focus of the acute phase of the disease in the country. The study showed a predominance of cases among males (53.8%), especially in the 20–39 age group, followed by 40–59 years, indicating a higher occurrence among individuals of working age. The main route of transmission identified was oral, responsible for 84.4% of cases, reinforcing its relevance in the recent epidemiology of the disease, particularly in outbreaks associated with the consumption of contaminated food and beverages. The authors conclude that acute Chagas disease remains an important public health problem in Brazil, emphasizing the need to strengthen surveillance, prevention, and control actions, especially in areas of higher endemicity.