EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF HANTAVIRUS PULMONARY SYNDROME (HPS) AND THE CORRELATION BETWEEN LAND USE AND CLIMATIC FACTORS IN MINAS GERAIS (2002 - 2009), BRAZIL

The aim of the study was to identify aspects of the epidemiology of Hantavirus Pulmonary Sindrome (HPS) in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and its relation to land use and land cover changes, using cases reported and confirmed by SINAN (Sistema de Informacao de Agravo de Notificacao) in the period 2002-2009. In this period there were 209 cases of hantavirus, with an annual average of 28 cases/year. The largest number of cases (40) in 2005. The incidence and case fatality rate ranged from 7.63 to 20.79/10 million and 20% to 52%, respectively. The cases were concentrated in geographical regions of Triangulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaiba. Men, aged 21-40 years with 4-7 years of education were the most affected. The majority of cases occurred in rural areas and during occupational activities. The results showed that cases of hantaviruses was focused on the geographical regions of Triângulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaiba, mainly in grassland areas, and showed strong positive correlation with crops of beans (the South/Southwest) and soybeans in Triângulo Mineiro. This study forms the basis for furthermore complex modelling studies to