ANALYSIS OF THE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF CONFIRMED CASES OF MENINGITIS IN THE NORTH REGION OF 2018-2023

Abstract

Introduction: Meningitis is an inflammatory process that can be caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, and infectious agents. It has a high transmissibility that can generate outbreaks. Objective: To evaluate epidemiological data related to confirmed cases of Meningitis in the Northern Region of Brazil from 2018 to 2023. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive study with data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). Information was collected regarding confirmed cases of meningitis in the Northern Region of the country between January 2018 and December 2023. Results: The study presented 3720 confirmed cases of meningitis, with the highest number of diagnoses in 2018 (22.7%), with the most prevalent age group of 20 to 39 years (34.56%) and brown skin color being the most affected (84.46%). The state with the highest number of cases was Pará (54.34%). In turn, chemocytological diagnosis was the most used (43.84%), with meningitis caused by other bacteria being the most common (21.50%). Conclusion: Therefore, the present study is relevant because it outlines the main epidemiological aspects related to meningitis in the Northern Region of Brazil, as well as pointing to a high mortality rate (20%) of this disease in the territory analyzed. This shows the need to develop strategies to prevent this pathology, in order to avoid deaths and complications.