[Emergent outbreak of visceral leishmaniasis in Mato Grosso do Sul State]

This study, realized from October 2000 to January 2003 describes the clinical epidemiological characteristics of visceral leishmaniasis in Três Lagoas, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. A total of 149 cases were confirmed, with a predominance of the male gender (71.1%). The principal age group was aged 0 to 4 years old (42%). The clinical picture included fever (97.3%), esplenomegaly (85.9%) and anemia (75.8%). Associated infections were seen in 32 patients (21.5%), pneumonia being most common. Changes registered in the laboratory included a median hemoglobin level of 8mg/dl and 3,100 leucocytes/mm(3). Bone marrow smears were positive in 90.6% of patients. Of the 97.9% patients treated, 78.2% used pentavalent antimony. Mortalities occurred in 8% of cases, half of these with associated infection. Taken together, these data suggest changes in the physiographical occurrence of visceral leishmaniasis in this locality, with expansion and urbanization of the disease, requiring greater attention for early diagnosis and treatment.