[The occurrence and distribution of lymphatic filariasis in Greater Metropolitan Recife: the case of an endemic area in Jaboatão dos Guararapes, Pernambuco, Brazil].

This article analyzes the results of an epidemiological survey on the occurrence and distribution of lymphatic filariasis in Cavaleiro, a district in the city of Jaboatão dos Guararapes in Greater Metropolitan Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil. The district was divided into 12 areas, and a cross-sectional technique was used to examine 9,520 individuals, of whom 2.2% were found to be infected. There were positive cases in 11 of the areas. The prevalence rate ranged from 0% to 5.15%. The majority (64.3%) of infected individuals were males (p < 0.05). Infected individuals were identified in all age groups. The results show that lymphatic filariasis is still an important public health problem in the Cavaleiro district and that it deserves attention by municipal authorities and health planners.