Hospital discharge rate for herpes zoster virus infection in Chile, 2021-2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52611/confluencia.2026.1853Keywords:
Hospitalization, Herpes zoster, Epidemiology, Dermatology, Cross-sectional studiesAbstract
Introduction: Herpes zoster represents a relevant health problem, especially among older adults and immunocompromised individuals, due to the risk of complications that may require hospitalization. In Chile, the available epidemiological information on this disease remains limited. Objective: To determine the hospital discharge rate for herpes zoster infections in Chile between 2021-2024 and to describe its distribution according to sex, age and length of hospital stay. Methodology: An observational, descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study of the census of hospital discharges for herpes zoster (ICD-10: B02) was conducted using anonymized Department of Health Statistics and Information databases and National Institute of Statistics population projections. Rates, length of stay, sex and age were analyzed using Excel. Ethics committee approval was not required. Result: A total of 2.122 hospital discharges were identified, with an overall rate of 2,87 per 100.000 inhabitants and a relative increase of 80,48% (from 2,1 in 2021 to 3,79 in 2024). Women had a slightly higher rate than men. The group aged 80 years and older had the highest rate, whereas the 0-4 year age group had the lowest. The average length of hospital stay was 7,16 days. Discussion: The observed increase in hospital discharge rate could be associated with population aging and a higher prevalence of risk factors. The elevated rate in older adults may be explained by immunosenescence and multimorbidity. Conclusion: The low hospitalization rate for herpes zoster in Chile contrasts with its progressive increase, reinforcing the need to improve prevention and surveillance strategies in high-risk groups.
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