Epidemiology of Zika Virus in the Capital of Belém, State of Pará, Brazil, Between 2021 and 2025
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of ZIKV cases reported in the municipality of Belém (PA), between 2021 and 2025 Theoretical Framework: The Zika virus (ZIKV), of the Flaviviridae family, is an arbovirus of mandatory notification in Brazil, transmitted mainly by Aedes aegypti. Although often asymptomatic or mild, the infection can cause serious complications, especially in pregnant women, which reinforces its relevance to public health and the need for constant monitoring. Method: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional and quantitative study, with secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN/DATASUS). Sociodemographic variables, confirmation criteria, evolution of cases and gestational status were analyzed. The processing was carried out with the TabWin, BioEstat and Excel software. Results and Discussion: 208 cases of ZIKV were reported in Belém. Most occurred in women (63%), mainly between 20 and 39 years old (37%). Among them, 61.8% declared themselves to be brown and 23.7% had completed high school. About 7.6% were pregnant, with a higher incidence in the second trimester. Laboratory confirmation occurred in 88.5%, although 91.6% were discarded. The clinical evolution was ignored or not reported in 90.8% of the cases. The higher incidence in socially vulnerable groups indicates failures in surveillance and probable underreporting. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research include the underreporting of cases, especially during the pandemic period, which should be taken into account during data analysis. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by offering a recent and regionalized analysis of the epidemiology of Zika virus in Belém. Thus, the importance of educational actions, investments in sanitation, and strengthening prevention and monitoring is highlighted, especially for women of childbearing age and pregnant women, in order to reduce the impacts of ZIKV in Belém. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by the support to municipal managers in the creation of strategies focused on women's health and the promotion of equity in health.
Authors: Ana Carolina Almeida Pimentel Pinto, Hellem Thais do Rosario Pereira, Naiara Gabrielly Costa Freire, Nayara Rosa Brito Souza, Sâmea Vitória Calazans de Araújo, Joyce Nathalia Carvalho Magalhaes, Camila Carneiro da Silva, Julyane Sampaio Trindade, Izabely Kamily Henriques Gomes, Luana Katelleen Costa do Carmo, Ana Clara Nascimento Santos, Letícia Gomes de Oliveira
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4413439642