DENGUE, ZIKA, AND CHIKUNGUNYA AMONG INDIGENOUS POPULATIONS IN AMAZONAS: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS FROM 2021 TO 2025

Abstract

Introduction: The spread of arboviruses considered urban into Indigenous territories reflects a critical scenario of socio-environmental vulnerability and epidemiological transition. Objective: To describe cases of Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika among the Indigenous population in Amazonas. Methodology: A retrospective descriptive study analyzing data from the epidemiological bulletin of the Amazonas Health Surveillance Foundation (FVS-RCP) covering the years 2021 to 2025. Results: Between January 2021 and December 2025, 32,730 cases of emerging arboviruses were reported in the state of Amazonas; of these, 31,401 (95.94%) were Dengue (DENV), 660 (2.02%) were Zika virus (ZIKV) infections, and 669 (2.04%) were Chikungunya (CHIKV). Considering the three arboviruses collectively, a slight female predominance was observed, accounting for approximately 52% of cases. Of the total notifications, 868 cases (2.65%) occurred in Indigenous individuals across all age groups, with the highest concentration in the 20–29 age range; this group represented 17% of DENV cases, 20% of ZIKV cases, and 16% of CHIKV cases. Cases were also identified among infants under one year of age (2% for DENV, 6% for ZIKV, and 2% for CHIKV) and among individuals aged 60 or older (6%, 4%, and 6%, respectively). Among Amazonas municipalities with significant Indigenous populations, Manaus, Tabatinga, and São Paulo de Olivença recorded the highest numbers of arbovirus cases, highlighting the occurrence of these infections across various age groups and territories within the state. Conclusion: To prevent the uncontrolled emergence of arboviral diseases among Indigenous populations in Amazonas, strategies must go beyond the urban model, integrating tailored health surveillance, respect for local culture, and territorial protection.