Urbanization of visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.

OBJECTIVES Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is endemic in Brazil and appears to occur in epidemic form in the state of Ceará. Few epidemiologic studies have been done on VL in this state. The aim of this study is to establish the epidemiologic pattern of VL in Fortaleza City and to show how urbanization has occurred in recent years. METHODS Data were obtained from the State Health Department of Fortaleza, Ceará, and included all cases of VL registered in Fortaleza from January 2001 to December 2006. RESULTS There were a marked increase and an elevated incidence of cases of VL in urban areas. Children and young people were the most affected group. CONCLUSION The epidemic occurrence of VL in the region must convince authorities to adopt more adequate policies of disease control.