ANALYSIS OF THE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE AND HOSPITAL MORBIDITY DUE TO VIRAL ENCEPHALITIS IN THE PEDIATRIC AGE GROUP IN BRAZIL BETWEEN 2013 TO 2023

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological profile and hospital morbidity of viral encephalitis within the pediatric population in Brazil. It is a descriptive, cross-sectional ecological study utilizing data extracted from the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System, managed by the Department of Informatics of SUS. Upon evaluating the total number of confirmed hospitalizations for viral encephalitis, 7,484 cases were identified. The highest prevalence was observed in the Northeast region. The most affected age group was 1 to 4 years, with males predominating across all age groups. The most common racial group among hospitalizations was mixed race (pardo). A total expenditure of 15,376,609.87 reais was recorded nationwide, with the Southeast region bearing the greatest financial burden of this disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to reducing the mortality associated with viral encephalitis.