As the incidence of the disease increases, the state of meningitis recorded 448 meningitis deaths in 2022, an increase of 114% compared to 2021.
Sao Paulo – The number of deaths from meningitis in São Paulo cities doubled in 2022. According to data from State Department of HealthAnd it recorded 448 deaths last year, compared to 209 in 2021, an increase of 114%.
The deaths were accompanied by the growth in the number of cases of infectious diseases, which rose from 2,300 cases in 2021 to 5,100 last year, an increase of 123%, according to data released on Monday (4/24)) by the Secretariat.
The upward trend continues this year, with a growth of 9% already recorded, according to the government. There are 1,140 cases in 2023, compared to 1,040 cases in the same period last year. Since January, meningitis has killed 79 people this year.
Vaccination coverage against infection is low in the state of São Paulo. To ensure the prevention of meningitis, it is necessary to reach the level of 95%. However, the meningococcal C vaccine application rate in 2022 was 77%, and in 2021, it is even lower: 74%.
“The world is watching the resurgence of previously eradicated diseases, and for this reason, disease prevention policy will be a priority,” said the Minister of Health, Elioz Paiva. Paiva added, “It is necessary to show people that diseases still exist and that vaccination is the only method of prevention policy.”
The Minister of Health warned of an increase in cases of infection on World Meningitis Day, which falls on Monday. Meningococcal C vaccine is administered at health centers according to the Ministry of Health’s national immunization calendar.
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