Leprosy is an infectious disease characterized by slow and chronic evolution, caused by Mycobacterium leprae and or Mycobacterium lepromatosis, an intracellular alcohol-acid-resistant (BAAR) bacillus. The objective of this study was to provide an epidemiological, clinical, and geographic characterization of leprosy in the city of Santarém-Pará during the period 2011–2020. A cross-sectional, descriptive, and quantitative approach was used, employing maps and tables to illustrate clinical and epidemiological variables, including: sex, age, race, area of residence, operational classification, clinical form, number of skin lesions, number of affected nerves, and health units. During the analyzed period, 581 cases of leprosy were diagnosed, resulting in the following cumulative incidence rates: male (60%); age over 15 years (94%); urban area (73%); multibacillary (74%); borderline form (46%); skin lesions greater than 5 (34%); and no nerves affected (68%). In the urban perimeter, a higher cumulative incidence of cases was observed in the central area with 133 cases. However, the health unit reporting the largest number of cases belonged to the southern area, specifically the Basic Health Unit of Nova República, with 48 cases. This study highlights the need to characterize the nuances of leprosy and its variability within the urban environment, according to different areas. Further research is essential to inform the implementation of public policies aimed at addressing the population with the highest vulnerability index, thereby reducing leprosy rates in Santarém.

Rabies, caused by the Lyssavirus genus, is a highly lethal zoonotic disease transmitted by animals such as bats and domestic and wild carnivores to humans, claiming nearly 100% of lives. In Brazil, recent evidence suggests an increasing role of bats in human deaths from rabies, particularly in the Amazon region. This neglected tropical disease disproportionately affects impoverished and vulnerable populations in rural areas, where approximately 80% of human cases are concentrated. This article presents research conducted in riverine communities of the Tapajós/Arapiuns Extractive Reserve in Brazil to combat rabies in September 2022. The study adopted a participatory and collaborative approach, involving community members, healthcare professionals, and educators. Prioritizing proactive interventions, the health team administered prophylactic vaccinations to 30 individuals residing in communities exposed to the Lyssavirus. Educational activities focused on dispelling myths and raising awareness about preventive measures, with 100% of individuals reporting prior doubts about the disease, emphasizing the essential nature of the clarification, especially regarding preventive aspects. This study underscores the importance of community involvement, personalized interventions, and ongoing education to effectively combat rabies. By reinforcing public health policies and promoting health education, we can empower communities to take proactive measures in rabies prevention, leading to a reduction in incidence and an improvement in quality of life.

Introduction: The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought about global uncertainties and fears, escalating the dissemination of fake news. This study aims to analyze the impact of fake news on COVID-19 vaccine adherence among pregnant women, providing crucial insights for effective communication strategies during the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional, exploratory study was conducted with 113 pregnant women under care at a Women’s Health Reference Center. Data analysis included relative frequency and odds ratio to assess the relationship between sociodemographic and behavioral variables regarding vaccination. Results: In the behavioral context of vaccination, internet access shows a significant association with decision-making, influencing vaccine refusal due to online information. Nuances in the odds ratios results highlight the complexity of vaccine hesitancy, emphasizing the importance of information quality. Pre-vaccination sentiments include stress (87.61%), fear (50.44%), and anxiety (40.7%), indicating the need for sensitive communication strategies. Discussion: Results revealed that pregnant women with higher education tend to adhere more to vaccination. Exposure to news about vaccine inefficacy had a subtle association with hesitancy, while finding secure sources was negatively associated with hesitancy. The behavioral complexity in the relationship between online information access and vaccination decision underscores the need for effective communication strategies. Conclusions: In the face of this challenging scenario, proactive strategies, such as developing specific campaigns for pregnant women, are essential. These should provide clear information, debunk myths, and address doubts. A user-centered approach, understanding their needs, is crucial. Furthermore, ensuring information quality and promoting secure sources are fundamental measures to strengthen trust in vaccination and enhance long-term public health.

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2, leading to the widespread outbreak of COVID-19, has unveiled a spectrum of symptoms and severe health complications, challenging healthcare systems and impacting millions of lives worldwide. To analyze events allegedly attributable to vaccination or immunization (ESAVI) against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in the municipality of Santarém, in the interior of the state of Pará, an epidemiological, descriptive study was conducted using data from e-SUS Notifica in Santarém/PA from January 2021 to January 2022. The analyzed data for ESAVI cases included the administered immunobiologicals (Coronavac, Covishield, and Comirnaty), the type of event, case progression, time in days between immunobiological administration, and symptom onset, causality, and classification of ESAVI according to the vaccine package inserts. The incidence rate of ESAVI due to the COVID-19 vaccine was 17 per 100,000 doses administered in the municipality. According to the ESAVI classification, 14.0% were classified as Serious ESAVI (ESAVIG) (IR: 8.12 per 100,000 doses administered), with 100% of these events resulting in full recovery without sequelae, and 82.4% of reported cases were classified as Non-Serious ESAVI (ESAVING) (IR: 47.78), of which 3.60% were immunization errors (IR: 2.08 IE per 100,000 doses). This study fosters discussion on the importance of accurate recording of ESAVI related to COVID-19 vaccines, demonstrating their safety for the population.

Neglected infectious diseases (NIDs) remain a major public health challenge in the Amazon, particularly among quilombola populations living in rural and riverside territories marked by historical inequalities and structural limitations. This study examined the occurrence of NIDs in eight quilombola communities in the Lower Amazon, identified socioenvironmental factors associated with these conditions, and evaluated the performance of machine learning models in predicting individual risk of illness. This analytical cross-sectional study included 518 participants, with data collected through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted, followed by multivariable logistic regression, Poisson regression, cluster analysis, and predictive modeling using Random Forest, XGBoost, and Logistic Regression. Spatial analysis was performed in Google Colab. The overall prevalence of at least one NID was 34.7%. Lack of sanitation facilities, use of river or well water, precarious housing, inadequate waste disposal, low income, and residence in rural areas were significantly associated with both the occurrence and number of NIDs per individual. XGBoost and Random Forest achieved the best predictive performance (AUC-ROC 0.87 and 0.85, respectively). Cluster analysis revealed distinct vulnerability profiles, with the highest burden observed among groups characterized by multidimensional poverty and limited sanitation. The findings highlight the overlapping social and environmental determinants that sustain the persistence of NIDs in these territories, underscoring the need for structural, territorialized policies tailored to the specific realities of quilombola communities in the Amazon. The cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reported disease history should be considered when interpreting the findings.

O processo de envelhecimento vem caracterizando-se como motivos de preocupações e questionamentos para humanidade, sendo alvo de pesquisas científicas desde a antiguidade. Diante desse contexto, a presente pesquisa tem por objetivo avaliar a autopercepção dos idosos atendidos em um centro de referência no oeste do Pará, sobre envelhecimento. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, quantitativo transversal, por meio da aplicação do Questionário de Auto Percepção de Envelhecimento (QAPE). A pesquisa foi realizada com uma amostra de 100 idosos, no primeiro semestre de 2018. Os resultados evidenciaram que em relação a consciência do envelhecimento, 93% dos pesquisados, tem consciência da sua idade, e consideram o envelhecimento como uma oportunidade de melhor apreciação das coisas da vida (92%), apesar de se sentirem limitados na rotina diária devido ao processo de envelhecer (60%). No que tange a representação emocional, para 95% dos idosos envelhecer não é motivo para deixá-los contrariados. Portanto, conclui-se que os idosos estudados possuem uma percepção relativa do envelhecimento de acordo com os eixos temáticos abordados em cada variável. Dessa forma, tendo em vista que esta temática é pouco explorada, reitera-se a necessidade do seguimento desta pesquisa para avaliação continuada e mais detalhada desse público, a fim de buscar meios que fomentem novos trabalhos nessa área, visando medidas que melhorem a qualidade de vida desses idosos.