Características epidemiológicas e tendência temporal dos casos notificados de Zika vírus em Alagoas, Brasil, 2016 - 2025

Abstract

Zika virus infection is an important public health issue, especially in tropical regions, due to its association with neurological complications and the possibility of vertical transmission during pregnancy. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological characteristics and temporal trends of reported cases of Zika virus infection in the state of Alagoas, Brazil, from 2016 to 2025. This is a descriptive epidemiological study with temporal trend analysis, conducted using secondary data obtained from the Notifiable Diseases Information System. Sociodemographic and clinical variables of reported cases during the study period were analyzed. A higher number of notifications was observed at the beginning of the time series, particularly in 2016, followed by a progressive reduction in subsequent years. Regarding the epidemiological profile, there was a higher occurrence of cases among females and in the age group of 20 to 39 years. Among pregnant women, a higher number of notifications was also identified in the early years of the time series, with a subsequent decrease over time. Additionally, the presence of records classified as ignored or missing was observed in some variables, highlighting limitations related to the use of secondary data. In conclusion, despite the reduction in cases over the analyzed period, Zika virus infection remains a relevant public health issue in Alagoas, mainly due to the risk of severe outcomes. The findings reinforce the need to strengthen surveillance, prevention, and control actions for arboviral diseases, as well as to improve the quality of health information systems.