Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Visceral Leishmaniasis Reporting in Brazil: A Retrospective Analysis of Epidemiological Trends

Introduction: Visceral Leishmaniasis represents a significant public health challenge in Brazil, characterized by its zoonotic nature and potential for severe clinical outcomes. The distribution and dynamics of this disease can be influenced by various factors, including environmental, social, and economic changes. Understanding its epidemiological trends is essential for guiding effective prevention and control efforts. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, retrospective, and quantitative study was conducted on confirmed cases of Visceral Leishmaniasis in the five regions of Brazil during the pre-pandemic period (2016 to 2019) and the pandemic period (2020 to 2023). The data were obtained from the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS), specifically from the "Notifiable Diseases and Conditions" section. Results: During the pre-pandemic period (2016–2019), a total of 14,589 cases of Visceral Leishmaniasis were reported in Brazil, with a 46% overall reduction during the pandemic period (2020–2023). The decrease in the number of cases varied across the country's regions, with the North region showing the largest decline of 56%. The Northeast experienced a 44% reduction, followed by the Southeast with a 52% decrease. In the South, the reduction was 16.9%, and in the Central West, it was 6.1%. Conclusions: Based on data analysis, it is possible to infer that the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on the reporting of Visceral Leishmaniasis cases in Brazil. The sharp decline in notifications during the pandemic, particularly in the Northern region, suggests the possibility of an overburdened healthcare system, reduced demand for diagnosis and treatment due to social isolation, and a decrease in control programs and epidemiological surveillance. Therefore, it can be proposed that the reduction in Visceral Leishmaniasis cases is associated with lower case detection and reporting.