Abstract

SEQUEIRA-SOTO, Jorge  and  ROMERO-ZUNIGA, Juan José. Epidemiological behavior of cases of suspected leptospirosis in five health regions of Costa Rica. Acta méd. costarric [online]. 2012, vol.54, n.4, pp.231-240. ISSN 0001-6002.

Background and aim: The prevention and control of leptospirosis depends on the knowledge about the exposure of people to possible risk factors, which are reported in the national surveillance system for this event. This study describes the epidemiologic behavior of the cases of suspected leptospirosis, which were researched using the protocol in force in the country. Methods: Across-sectional study that describes the epidemiologic behavior of the cases of suspected leptospirosisusing the data of the case investigation forms of the surveillance system for this event. Laboratory data was obtained from the INCIENSA´s National Leptospirosis Reference Center. The period of study was between 2004and 2008 in the Brunca, Central Este, HuetarAtlántica, Huetar Norte and Pacífico Central regions, according to the structural organization of the Costa Rican Ministry of Health. Results: 498 case investigation forms were analyzed. The most frequent occupations are those described as “without risk” (37.3%), students (23.2%) and agricultural (22.1%). The exposure to domestic animals prevails (67.6%), of this 92% were dogs. The presence of rodents is reported in 52.6% of the cases. A 29.5% had contact with ponds or swimming pools and 28% with stagnant waters, both with a prevalence of 1,88 and 1,71(p<0,05). Conclusion: The frequency of cases in groups “without occupational risk” indicates that the case investigation form must be redesigned to incorporate other variables that include recreational ones.

Keywords : Leptospirosis; epidemiological surveillance; risk factors.

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