PERFIL EPIDEMIOLÓGICO DOS CASOS DE HEPATITE C NA CIDADE MANAUS DE 2019 A 2023

Hepatitis is a multifactorial disease caused by viruses, drugs, alcohol, medications, or genetic, autoimmune, and metabolic conditions that cause inflammation in the liver. Among viral hepatitis, hepatitis C stands out, belonging to the Flaviviridae family, identified in patients with non-A and non-B hepatitis. Hepatitis C represents a major public health challenge, and can lead to serious complications, such as cirrhosis and liver carcinoma, in addition to causing systemic conditions, such as cryoglobulinemic vasculitis and chronic inflammation. The general objective of the research was to characterize the epidemiological profile of hepatitis C cases in the city of Manaus from 2019 to 2023. This is a cross-sectional descriptive epidemiological study, based on data from SINAN and the FVS-RCP Viral Hepatitis Monitoring Panel, involving 804 cases of hepatitis C reported in Manaus-AM between 2019 and 2023. Between 2019 and 2023, 804 cases of hepatitis C were recorded in Manaus, with variations over the years, with the highest percentage in 2019 (27%) and the lowest in 2020 (15%). There was a predominance of cases among men (54%) compared to women (46%). The most affected age group was 40 to 59 years old (42%), followed by people aged 60 and over (40%). The main route of infection identified was sexual transmission, responsible for 35% of cases, and deaths, which totaled 103, occurred mostly among men (74%). The strengthening of primary care and awareness campaigns are essential to contain the spread of hepatitis C. The data collected can guide the planning of specific public health actions in Manaus.