[Haff Disease and health surveillance performance: a documental study].

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the role of health surveillance in responding to cases of Haff disease (HD) in Brazil through published documents. This is a documentary, qualitative, retrospective, and exploratory study. Information was collected from governmental electronic platforms using the following keywords: "rhabdomyolysis," "rhabdomyolysis of unknown etiology," and "outbreak of food- and waterborne diseases compatible with Haff disease," published between 2008 and 2024. The inclusion criteria covered scientific articles, reviews, abstracts, news reports, and case reports. Data analysis was performed based on the principles of Bardin's content analysis. The final sample consisted of 21 publications, such as technical notes, epidemiological bulletins, epidemiological reports, manuals, booklets, and institutional collections. Four categories were then formed: HD-related health events in Brazil; Surveillance response to the emergency; Guidance for health professionals; and Guidelines for the population. It is concluded that government actions were implemented to contain outbreaks of the disease, but further efforts are needed to identify the etiological agent, improve clinical protocols, and strengthen coordination among health surveillance areas.