Spatial approach of leprosy in the State of São Paulo, 2009-2012

Abstract: Background: Leprosy is a chronic, infectious disease that affects the skin and the peripheral nervous system and can lead to permanent disability and/or deformity. Objectives: To identify the distribution and to quantify the spatial dependence of the detection rates of new cases of Hansen’s disease in the State of São Paulo, correlating with socioeconomic variables. Methods: Ecological and exploratory study with data on the detection rates of new cases of Hansen’s disease among residents of São Paulo State municipalities between 2009-2012. The average rate per 10,0000 inhabi...