Waterborne and foodborne diseases (DTHA) persist as a public health problem in Brazil, especially among vulnerable populations, caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and chemical substances (SES-DF, 2023). To analyze the occurrence of DTHA in the Health Region of the Sertão of Pernambuco between 2014 and 2024. A descriptive ecological study using secondary data from the Computerized Epidemiological Surveillance System for Acute Diarrheal Diseases (SIVEP DDA) and the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), provided by XI Gerência Regional de Saúde de Pernambuco. From 2014 to 2024, 111 DTHA outbreaks were reported in the region. There was annual variation in cases, with peaks in 2020, 2023, and 2024, coinciding with adverse climatic events, such as prolonged droughts. Bacterial diseases, mainly caused by Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp., represented the majority of cases, followed by rotavirus infections and intestinal parasitoses. Spatial analysis showed that municipalities with lower basic sanitation coverage presented the highest incidence rates, evidencing the relationship between precarious sanitary conditions and DTHA. Children under 5 years of age and older adults were the most affected groups. These data confirm that DTHA continue to be a challenge in the Sertão of Pernambuco, especially in areas with inadequate sanitary infrastructure. The predominance of bacterial agents is aligned with national studies that indicate water and food contamination as the main sources of infection (SES-DF, 2023). The vulnerability of age groups reinforces the need for specific strategies, including educational campaigns and expanded access to health services. The use of SIVEP DDA and SINAN data was fundamental for epidemiological monitoring and identification of priority areas for intervention. However, limitations such as underreporting and delays in notifications may have impacted the results, indicating the need to strengthen surveillance systems. DTHA remain an important public health problem in the Sertão of Pernambuco, with greater impact on vulnerable populations and regions with precarious sanitation. The analysis between 2014 and 2024 highlights the urgency of integrated public policies to improve basic sanitation, health education, and epidemiological surveillance.
Principe et al. (Sun,) studied this question.