The incidence of meningites in the Northeast: a 13 years ecological study

Abstract

Vaccination campaigns and health promotion measures have reduced the number of cases of meningitis in Brazil, however it appears that the incidence rates are still higher than the public health goals, when compared to developed countries. Thus, for there to be an effective intervention in the Brazilian population, epidemiological studies are needed to verify the current situation presented. To investigate the incidence rate of the main etiological agents in the Northeast, as well as meningitis, in general, in states and capitals. The present study is a descriptive and retrospective epidemiological study, carried out using data provided by the Information System for Notifiable Diseases (Sinan) through the platform of the SUS Computer Department (Datasus). In addition, demographic data were obtained through the portal of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). From 49,095 notification forms, there was a reduction in the rate of incidence of meningitis by about 68.79%, in the period, from 13.3 to 4.151 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. In all capitals, the incidence rate was higher, in relation to their states, with the municipalities of Recife, Teresina and Salvador being the largest epicenters. Viral meningitis is the most prevalent and presented the greatest decline, decreasing from 7,911 to 1.6 cases/100,000 inhabitants. There was a reduction in all meningitis, except tuberculosis. Thus, the need to expand basic sanitation and health education programs is understood.