On August 14 and 15, the Ministry of Health participated in a task force strengthened by the state of Alagoas to combat meningitis in its territory. The state has recorded a significant increase in cases in 2023, especially bacterial infections. The Ministry of Health supports this initiative in collaboration with the state and municipalities to find solutions to the difficulties faced in combating the disease.
Meningitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Of these, viral and bacterial meningitis are the most relevant to public health because of their high incidence and potential to cause outbreaks. In general, bacterial infections are more serious than viral infections.
On this occasion, representatives of the Secretariat for Health and Environment Surveillance (SVSA), the Secretariat for Primary Health Care (SAPS), Specialized Health Care (SAES) and the National Force SUS participated in the review of the clinical protocol for the treatment of meningitis.
In addition to a meeting with representatives of the Council of Municipal Health Secretaries of Alagoas (COSEMS/AL), the Ministry of Health of Alagoas (SESAU/AL), the Municipal Health Secretariat of Maceió (SMS/Maceió) and the Laboratory of the Alagoas Public Health Center (LACEN/AL), to harmonize the strengthening of surveillance and health assistance actions, including the implementation of the revised protocol.
The series of discussions will take place at the Maceió Convention Center and will continue until the end of the week, with workshops for professionals from basic health units, emergency care units (UPA), public and private hospitals in Maceió. Health surveillance training is also being conducted, including representatives of epidemiological surveillance at the municipal and state levels, the Strategic Health Surveillance Information Center (CIEVS), among others.
Joao Moraes
Ministry of Health
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