Cross-sectional study on case fatality rate due to hantavirus infection in Goias State, Brazil, 2007-2013

Objective: to describe the epidemiological and clinical profile of hantavirus infection and to analyze factors associated with case-fatality in Goias, Brazil. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study on case fatality due to hantavirus infection from 2007 to 2013 using data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) for Goias State. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: 1,171 suspected cases were reported, of which 73 (6.2%) were confirmed. Among the confirmed cases, greater frequency was found among males (n=50), fever was the most common symptom (n=70), and there was a high proportion of hospitalization (n=68). The case-fatality rate was 57.5%. The following factors were associated with death: acute respiratory failure (ARF) (OR=3.6; 95% CI 1.2; 10.6), hemoconcentration (OR=3.3; 95% CI 1.1; 7.9) and not using a mechanical ventilator (OR=3.4; 95% CI 1.3; 9.1). After adjustment, the ARF was still associated with death (OR=3.4; 95% CI 1.0; 11.6). Conclusion: the case-fatality rate was high, primarily associated with respiratory failure.