EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF COVID-19 CASES IN MARANHÃO: A brief analysis

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) is a virus that can cause respiratory complications from mild to severe and high infectivity and pathogenicity. Currently, given its high transmissibility and difficulty in control, it is considered a pandemic event by the World Health Organization (WHO). The aim of the study was to analyze the epidemiological profile of case reports of the new coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) in the State of Maranhão. Delimitation:It is an epidemiological survey of notified cases and deaths of Covid-19 in the state of Maranhão from March to April 2020. Data were analyzed according to reports from the epidemiological health bulletin of the State of Maranhão with information from the regional state health system. The cases were analyzed using the variables: sex (female / male), age group (in years), origin, presence or absence of comorbidities. Results: 2,105 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed. The region most affected was São Luís with 89% of the cases being female (52%), and age between 30 and 39 years (29%). The male gender had a higher death rate (62%), age 60 years or more (66%), regional origin of São Luís 60%, various comorbidities (78%), especially cardiovascular and immunological diseases. Implications: Clinical, epidemiological, economic impacts are observed, in addition to serious social, political and cultural repercussions in our society, implying the ability to respond quickly to the challenges posed by the pandemic.