PERFIL EPIDEMIOLÓGICO E ESPACIAL DAS OCORRENCIAS DE MENINGITES NO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO NO PERÍODO DE 2004 A 2008

Abstract

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges,the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, occurworldwide throughout the year and the causative agents canbe viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. It is a disease ofcompulsory notification of major Public Health for itsincidence, mortality and frequency of sequelae. Theobjective was to discuss the epidemiological profile andspatial pattern of occurrences of meningitis in themunicipalities of the state of Sao Paulo, from 2004 to 2008.We analyzed data provided by DATASUS and tools usedGeographic Information Systems (GIS) in the preparation ofthematic maps. The results showed spatial pattern ofhighlighting the municipalities of Barretos, Santa Cruz doRio Pardo, Taquarituba and São Manuel at the highfrequency in the period. This work helps in understandingthe spatial behavior of meningitis and implementation ofpolicies to prevent the disease.

Keywords - Meningitis, Epidemiology, Public Health,Geographic Information Systems (GIS).