The construction of the individual's knowledge in the process of sensitization-awareness raising-action about hantavirus disease and the opportunity to control and prevent emerging zoonoses: the experience of hantavirus disease in Santa Catarina/Brazil

Abstract

This article describes the path of the discovery of Hantavirus disease in the state of Santa Catarina, where the first case occurred in the Municipal district of Seara in 2000. This occurrence provided data used in the present study. The main objective of the study was to analyze Hantavirus disease as specific case of emerging disease and the causing conditions. Interviews were undertaken with different actors involved in order to identify some preventive aspects. Results indicated: the need of a better use of data of an epidemic investigation to guide more effective preventive practices; the small investment by the State in prevention measures after this emergency; the lack of orientation and control in a continuous way or of a real aid to the needy families; and that the impersonal posture of health professionals involved that contributed to the perception that the affected individuals were the responsible. In the final considerations the importance of the Program of Health in the Family (PSF) was highlighted as one of the elements in the process of construction of each individual's knowledge. Parallel to the Program, education projects and a schedule of lectures for neighborhood associations are necessary, aiming a process of sensitization - awareness raising - action in the self-care, in a continuous way and not only during epidemics.