OBJECTIVE:
to describe the incidence of leprosy and characteristics of reported cases in the state of Rondônia, Brazil.
METHODS:
a descriptive study was conducted using Notifiable Disease Information System data for the period 2001-2012. Incidence was calculated per 100,000 inhabitants and case distribution percentage was calculated according to variables of interest.
RESULTS:
15,648 leprosy cases were reported between 2001-2012, with an average of 1,304 cases per year. Highest incidence occurred in 2003 (106.5/100.000 inhabitants). Males were the most affected (57.1%). The most common clinical presentation was borderline (42.2%). 46.6% of cases were paucibacillary and 53.4% multibacillary. 6.6% of individuals had grade 2 disability.
CONCLUSION:
the number of cases is still high in Rondônia and it is considered to be a hyperendemic state.
Leprosy; Mycobacterium leprae; Epidemiology, Descriptive
