Title : A snapshot of a representative Brazilian state of illegal mining in indigenous areas during the era of malaria elimination
Abstract:
Malaria is a public health problem and the cases diagnosed in the capital of Roraima have the potential to characterize the burden of the disease in the state. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory aspects of malaria cases diagnosed in Boa Vista. For this purpose, a descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in two health units in the city, with individuals diagnosed with malaria and who agreed to respond to the questionnaire. Of the total of 206 participants, 96.1% (198) reported gold mining activity, characterized as men, mixed race and young. Of the group of miners, 66.2% (131) came from other states of Brazil or other countries. The mines were mainly located in the Yanomami Indigenous Territory in Roraima. P. vivax infection occurred in 74.3% (153) of participants. In the miner’s group, there were reports of hospitalizations for severe malaria, reports of previous episodes of malaria and delays in treatment after the onset of symptoms. Although 73.2% (145) of miners reported knowing how malaria was transmitted, only 54% (107) took precautions with mosquito nets or repellents. The use of Artecom® and chloroquine was reported by miners as a way of relieving symptoms before returning to work, which highlights the importance of molecular surveillance of antimalarial resistance. Miners are considered a vulnerable population and impact to perpetuate malaria in Roraima. Therefore, access to diagnosis and treatment in gold mining areas and integrated surveillance of this population's mobility routes are important strategies to achieve the goal of eliminating malaria in the state.
