CONSIDERAÇÕES SOBRE ESQUISTOSSOMOSE MANSÔNICA NO MUNICÍPIO DE JEQUIÉ, BAHIA

Schistosomiasis is considered a public health problem that affects all Brazil, including the municipality of Jequie, in Bahia State; thus the importance of study its incidence. The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of schistosomiasis in Jequie, Bahia, in relation to public policies proposed by the Ministry of Health. This is an epidemiological, quantitative, descriptive, and exploratory study with data obtained from several official sources (SINAN, SIM, PECE, DIS/Bahia, Endemic Center of the city of Jequie and 13a DIRES/Bahia). The data were analyzed using Tabwin Software from the Ministry of Health. These data shows that, between 2001 and 2008, Jequie presented 13,408 cases of schistosomiasis, with the year 2004 presenting the highest prevalence (29.5%). The positive rate of schistosomiasis in the Jequie’s region, in the period from 2001 to 2008, exceeds the 5% recommended by the Ministry of Health, even when the reduction of 3.9% in 2007 and 3.5% in 2008 is considered. These data reinforces the need for public policies and measures of control of schistosomiasis in this municipality, focusing not only on drug treatment, but also on sewerage, environmental education, and health education.