Epidemiological profile of meningitis cases in the state of Alagoas, Brazil (2007-2018)

Abstract

Objective : To explore the epidemiological incidence of meningitis cases in one of the poorest Brazilian states, Alagoas, between 2007 and 2018. Methodology: The research design employs descriptive statistics to examine secondary data from the Information System on Diseases of Compulsory Declaration (SINAN). Results: In total, there were 1,683 cases of meningitis registered in Alagoas during the analyzed period. 2013 was the year with the highest number of records (221 cases). The most affected age group is between 20-39 years (438 cases). Bacterial meningitis is the most recurrent modality (416 cases), followed by viral meningitis (336 cases) and unspecified meningitis (278 cases). In general, men (994 cases) are more affected than women (686 cases). Conclusions: This information contributes to the expansion of the epidemiological panorama, allowing the formulation of public health policies that are up-to-date in poor locations in the face of biological problems.