Distribution and spatial density of viral hepatitis cases in Brazil due to occupational accidents

INTRODUCTION: Viral hepatitis, an infectious disease endemic to Brazil, can be transmitted by occupational accident. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the distribution and spatial density of viral hepatitis due to occupational accidents in Brazil from 2007 to 2014. METHODS: This ecological study of multiple groups used data from the Brazilian Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Disease Information Notification System). Spatial analysis of cluster detection and point density was performed using kernel techniques and estimates. RESULTS: The recorded cases were concentrated in the southeastern (40.6%) and southern regions (28.1%), and a small increase occurred between 2011 and 2014 (53.9%). The etiological classification was predominantly hepatitis C virus (45.3%) and B virus (45.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Reports of viral hepatitis due to occupational accidents have increased in Brazil in recent years, with a higher density in the southeastern and southern regions, especially viruses B and C. Thus, occupational health surveillance must be intensified, including vaccination cards for worker admission to the public or private companies.