PERFIL EPIDEMIOLÓGICO DAS MENINGITES VIRAIS NO ESTADO DA BAHIA ENTRE 2007 E 2018

Abstract

PURPOSE. To obtain data from the epidemiological profile of viral meningitis in the state of Bahia, between 2007 and 2018, once they impact on health policies. METHODS. It’s a descriptive ecologic study, with data collect from platform of Ministério da Saúde through DATASUS,  for the period between 2007 and 2018, in the state of Bahia. Variables collected were: age, sex, ethnicity, counties, diagnostic technique, confirmation criteria, final classification, mortality rate and case evolutions. RESULTS. The study showed that in Bahia, 57,5% of the meningitis had a viral cause, and the male sex was the most affected (57,62%). Chemocytological analysis was the main technique used for diagnosis. From the sample, 76,96% of the individuals who received medical care were in the capital and 51,25% were brown-skinned ("pardo"). The most frequent age affected was between 0-19. Elderly patients (> 80 years old) had higher death rate. There was a higher frequency of cases in the second semester and a decrease in the number of cases along the period studied.  CONCLUSION. It is perceptive that, even though a decrease in mortality rate was assessed, it still persists a considerable number of cases, mainly among juvenile, men and brown-skinned individuals, emphasizing the socioeconomic association. However, there are no specific treatments for all etiological causes. Given this, it is urgent to know the profile of these patients for the adoption of preventive measures.