Spatial Distribution of Leprosy in the Amazon Region of Brazil

Abstract

To detect areas with increased case-detection rates, we used spatial scan statistics to identify 5 of 10 clusters of leprosy in the Amazon region of Brazil. Despite increasing economic development, population growth, and road infrastructure, leprosy is endemic to this region, which is a source of case exportation to other parts of Brazil.

Keywords

• Leprosy
• Amazon
• Brazil
• cluster analysis
• detection rate
• disease control