HOSPITALIZATIONS FOR VIRAL MENINGITIS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS IN THE SOUTHERN REGION OF BRAZIL (2019–2024)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/Keywords:
Viral Meningitis, Epidemiology, Hospitalizations, Children, Adolescents, Southern BrazilAbstract
This study analyzed hospitalizations due to viral meningitis in children and adolescents in Southern Brazil between 2019 and 2024. It is an observational, descriptive epidemiological study based on data from the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SIH/SUS). Hospitalizations were assessed by year, sex, age group, race/color, average hospital stay, and number of deaths. A total of 1,869 hospitalizations were identified, with a predominance of males (56.9%) and white individuals (79.8%). The highest rates occurred among children under five years old (56.6% of cases). There was a marked decrease during the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a gradual increase in subsequent years. The lethality rate was 0.53%, showing that, although usually self-limiting, viral meningitis remains a relevant cause of morbidity among children. It is concluded that age, sex, and health context directly influence case distribution, highlighting the importance of continuous prevention and epidemiological surveillance.
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