World Meningitis Day: SC records 12 deaths from the disease in 2024; find out how to prevent

The incidence is higher in children (Photo: Image bank)

This Wednesday (24) is marked by World Meningitis Day, a date created to highlight the importance of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease. In the first three months of 2024 alone, Santa Catarina has already recorded 12 deaths from meningitis and 121 cases, from January to March this year. You data are from the Santa Catarina Epidemiological Surveillance Directorate (DIVE).

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Children under five years of age and elderly people over 60 are the population most susceptible to the disease. According to DIVE, meningitis is serious and can progress quickly.

What is meningitis

Meningitis is characterized by inflammation of the membranes that cover the central nervous system, the meninges. Hence the name. This condition can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi and even trauma.

Among the cases registered in 2024 in Santa Catarina, the most common was viral meningitis: there were 50 cases in the first three months of the year. See the data:

— Bacterial meningitis is more serious and is transmitted through respiratory secretions — explains pediatric infectious disease specialist, Sônia Faria.

— The best way to prevent meningitis is through vaccines. The SUS offers vaccines for different types of bacterial meningitis, however, some vaccines for meningitis are only available in private clinics — he adds.

Children are the majority of cases

Of this year’s cases, 31.4% were in children under four years of age. Children aged five to nine accounted for 7.4% of cases. Although 45.5% of cases are concentrated in people aged 20 to 64, the incidence rate in these age groups was between 0.9 and 1.4 cases for every 100 thousand inhabitants.

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The age group from 65 to 79 years old accounted for 6.6% of cases and had an incidence of 1.2 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants. Those over 80 years of age had an incidence of 1.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. See below:

Signs and symptoms

According to DIVE, there may be occasional outbreaks of meningitis, as the disease is considered endemic in Brazil. It is more common for bacterial meningitis to occur in winter, and viral meningitis in summer.

Signs and symptoms of meningitis can come on suddenly and include fever, headache, stiff or painful neck, nausea, and vomiting. Red or purple spots, small or large, on the skin may indicate a more serious illness (meningococcemia).

Behavioral changes such as confusion, drowsiness and difficulty waking up can also be important symptoms. In newborns and infants, the only signs and symptoms of meningitis may be fever, irritation, tiredness and lack of appetite. If you notice these signs, you must immediately seek medical attention.

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