EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE ANALYSIS OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH MENINGITIS IN THE STATE OF PARANÁ, BRAZIL, FROM 2014 TO 2024

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the epidemiological profile of meningitis cases in children and adolescents in the state of Paraná, from 2014 to 2024, focusing on variables such as age group, sex, seasonality, case outcomes, etiology, regional distribution, and temporal variation. It is a basic research study, with a quantitative approach, descriptive method, and ecological design. Data were obtained from the public platform DATASUS, organized and tabulated using Microsoft Excel. The main results showed a higher incidence in children under 1 year old, with a predominance of males (60%) and viral etiology (66.8%). Most cases had a favorable outcome (93% of discharges), although lethality remains significant among infants. Monthly distribution indicated seasonal peaks, while annual variation revealed fluctuations, with a decline in 2020–2021 and an increase in 2022. The Eastern Macroregion concentrated the majority of cases. It is concluded that meningitis remains an important public health issue in childhood and adolescence, requiring continuous surveillance, early diagnosis, and expanded vaccine coverage to reduce morbidity and mortality, especially among the most vulnerable groups.