The disease is characterized by inflammation of the meninges, membranes that cover the central nervous system.
The State of recorded seven deaths by October 2025 – more than double the three recorded in the entirety of last year. According to the State Department of Health (SES), the most affected age group is 30 to 39 years old.
The number of cases has also grown in recent years: there were 14 notifications in 2021, 26 in the following year, 30 in 2023 and 28 in 2024. In just the first ten months of this year, there were already 36 records, according to a report from the Santa Catarina Epidemiological Surveillance Directorate.
Given this progress, the State government alerted the population about the importance of vaccination. The National Immunization Program (PNI) offers vaccines that prevent forms of bacterial meningitis, such as BCG, Meningococcal C, Meningococcal ACWY, Haemophilus influenzae type B and Pneumococcal. Immunization agents are available free of charge at Basic Health Units (UBSs) in Santa Catarina.
The Meningococcal C conjugate vaccine protects against meningococcal disease. In this case, the vaccine is available for children from three months of age to under five years of age – with doses at 3 and 5 months and a booster at 12 months with the ACWY vaccine. The ACWY vaccine is also part of the routine for adolescents aged 11 to 14.
Serogroup C is the type with the highest incidence and lethality in the State. Three of the seven deaths recorded in 2025 were caused by this serogroup, in people aged 20 to 39 years.
Meningitis is characterized by inflammation of the meninges, membranes that cover the central nervous system. It is a serious, rapidly evolving disease that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or even non-infectious factors, such as trauma.
“Signs and symptoms can appear suddenly and include fever, headache, stiffness or pain in the neck, nausea and vomiting. Red or purple spots on the skin may indicate a more serious condition, called meningococcemia. Changes in behavior, such as confusion, drowsiness and difficulty waking up, also deserve attention”, said the Immunization Manager of the Epidemiological Surveillance Directorate, Arieli Fialho. “In newborns and infants, fever, irritation, tiredness and lack of appetite may be the only signs.”
In addition to vaccination, the state government also recommended that citizens maintain well-ventilated environments, frequently clean their hands with soap and water or alcohol gel, clean and disinfect surfaces and objects in common use, ensure strict hygiene of utensils and toys in homes, daycare centers and schools, and not share personal objects, such as cups and cutlery.
*With information from Estadão Conteúdo
Published by Nátaly Tenório
