COVID-19 Pandemic Disrupts Schistosomiasis Control in Brazil

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Universidade Federal do Vale do Sao Francisco have found that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the control of schistosomiasis in the Northeastern region of Brazil. The study, published in Revista de Epidemiologia e Controle de Infeccao, analyzed data from the Schistosomiasis Control Program (PCE) in the State of Pernambuco for the years 2020 and 2021. The results show a significant decrease in the population reached, tests performed, and positivity rate for schistosomiasis during the pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic period.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the control of schistosomiasis in the Northeastern region of Brazil, with a 71.3% decrease in the population reached in 2020 and a 64.1% decrease in 2021.
  • The number of tests performed decreased from 73.8% in 2020 to 66.5% in 2021.
  • The State positivity rate for schistosomiasis decreased by 32.8% in 2020 and 6.4% in 2021.
  • The rate of treated individuals increased by 5.8% in 2020 but decreased by 25.1% in 2021.
  • The study recommends strengthening the schistosomiasis control program in Pernambuco to ensure active investigation, epidemiological surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment of schistosomiasis.

Statistics:

  • 71.3% decrease in the population reached in 2020
  • 64.1% decrease in the population reached in 2021
  • 73.8% of tests performed in 2020
  • 66.5% of tests performed in 2021
  • 32.8% decrease in the State positivity rate for schistosomiasis in 2020
  • 6.4% decrease in the State positivity rate for schistosomiasis in 2021
  • 5.8% increase in the rate of treated individuals in 2020
  • 25.1% decrease in the rate of treated individuals in 2021

Sources:

  • Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on schistosomiasis control in an endemic region of the Northeastern Brazil, 2020-2021. Revista de Epidemiologia e Controle de Infeccao, 2025,15(1).
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.17058/reci.v15i1.19373
  • Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul (publisher of Revista de Epidemiologia e Controle de Infeccao)