12. Malaria epidemiology in a legal Amazonian population, Brazil

Malaria is the most important global infectious disease. This protozoal disease is endemic among Brazilian territory, especially in Amazonian region. Using the National Epidemiologic Surveillance System (SINAN), the aim of this study was to characterize epidemiological aspects of malaria in Juina municipality, Mato Grosso State, Brazilian Amazon, from 2003 to 2007. During this period, 1,881 positive cases of malaria were notifyied (76.6 % caused by Plasmodium vivax, 21.8 % caused by P. falciparum, and 1.6 % were mixed infections). The high incidence of malaria occurred during the year 2004, where 580 positive cases were reported. Malaria in Juina was characterized by affecting more men (79.5%) than women, especially those living/working in rural areas (94.5%) between 20 to 39 years old (47.8 %). Malaria in Juina is an endemic public health problem which seriously compromises health, economy and quality of life of the citizens.