Occurrence of Tungiasis in Ceará State, Northeast Brazil: Results of a Rapid Assessment Method

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2023 Nov 10:56:e02742023. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0274-2023. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Background: Systematic data on the occurrence of tungiasis are scarce.

Methods: We analyzed data on tungiasis in humans and animals from all municipalities of Ceará State, Northeast Brazil, using a rapid assessment questionnaire.

Results: Among the 184 municipalities, 181 (98.3%) reported tungiasis in the past (before 2021) or currently, 120 (65.2%) reported current occurrence, 155 (84.2%) reported severe cases in the past or currently, 47 (25.5 %) reported severe cases currently, and 132 (71.7%) reported tungiasis in animals.

Conclusions: Tungiasis is a significant public health concern in Ceará. A One Health approach is required to reduce the disease burden in humans and animals.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Cities
  • Humans
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tungiasis* / diagnosis
  • Tungiasis* / epidemiology