Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is an endemic disease characterized by its chronicity, high lethality, and wide geographic distribution, mainly in tropical regions. It is estimated that 90% of cases reported worldwide are concentrated in seven emerging countries, where Brazil stands out as one of the countries with the highest number of cases, followed by India, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan. During the period from 2014 to 2024, more than 26 thousand VL cases were reported in the country, with an annual average of 2,440 cases and a total of 2,347 deaths, resulting in a lethality rate of 7.81%. The state of Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), although not the state with the highest number of cases in the country, stands out due to the increasing number of cases; therefore, this study proposes an analysis of the evolution of VL in MS, focusing on the Pantanal and non-Pantanal regions of the state. This is a descriptive and observational epidemiological investigation study with a quantitative approach, which analyzed reported VL cases in MS (Pantanal and non-Pantanal regions) between 2014 and 2024, through public data (SINAN/DATASUS). Data were collected on VL cases by year, sex, age group, race, HIV co-infection, and outcome, differentiating them by Pantanal and non-Pantanal region. All collected data were organized and analyzed, providing a descriptive analysis of the data. A total of 1,479 VL cases were reported, with 1,291 cases located in non-Pantanal municipalities and 188 in Pantanal municipalities. A prevalence was observed among brown men, between 40 and 59 years, without HIV co-infection. In Pantanal regions, a higher incidence of cases was observed among those aged 20 to 39 years. Interestingly, no notification of cases was observed in Indigenous populations, despite the state having the third largest Indigenous population in the country. The state has a high incidence of VL with absence of records among Indigenous populations, indicating possible underreporting or difficulties linked to health services. Regional differences are also noted, with lower VL incidence in Pantanal regions and differences among age groups. This study reinforces the need for continuous vector control and investments for disease control, treatment, and monitoring, especially in vulnerable populations.
Minzon et al. (Sun,) studied this question.