Confirmed cases of meningitis fall by 35% in Acre in 2026 Reproduction Confirmed cases of meningitis decreased by 35% in Acre in 2026, according to an epidemiological bulletin released by the State Department of Health (Sesacre) last Thursday (23). According to the survey, up to Epidemiological Week 28, which ended in July, the state confirmed 13 cases of the disease, compared to 20 recorded in the entire year 2025. During the period there was one death, while last year there were six. ? Join the g1 AC channel on WhatsApp The survey also shows a drop in the lethality of the disease. By 2025, 30% of patients with confirmed cases had died. This year, the index fell to 7.7%. ?The data is partial and may still undergo changes, as case investigations continue to be updated in the Notifiable Diseases Information System (Sinan). New vaccine against pneumonia and meningitis begins to be applied in Acre In total, Acre reported 36 suspected cases of meningitis this year. Of these, only 13 were confirmed. The majority of diagnoses were pneumococcal meningitis, with five records. Three cases of meningococcal meningitis, two of bacterial meningitis, one caused by Haemophilus influenzae, one of fungal meningitis and one of viral meningitis were also confirmed. Furthermore, among the municipalities, Cruzeiro do Sul has the highest number of confirmations in 2026, with six cases. READ MORE: New vaccine against pneumonia and meningitis begins to be applied in AC; See who can receive it Child with bacterial meningitis comes out of isolation and improves in hospital in Acre Rio Branco applies 800 doses of immunization against meningitis on 'D' Day of vaccination Next comes Rio Branco, with two records. Feijó, Porto Acre, Porto Walter, Senador Guiomard and Xapuri had one case each. The only death recorded this year occurred in Xapuri. Still according to the data, in 2025, the scenario was different. Rio Branco concentrated most of the cases, with 12 confirmations and three deaths. Cruzeiro do Sul had two cases and two deaths. Cases vary over the years The bulletin shows that the number of notifications has fluctuated over the last five years. In 2022, 83 suspected cases and 18 confirmations were registered. In 2023, there were 80 notifications and 14 confirmed cases. In 2024, the state recorded 43 notifications and 15 confirmations. (See the graph below) Another fact highlighted by Sesacre is that March was the month with the highest number of confirmations this year, with five cases. January had four records, April two and May and June had one case each. Notification in Cruzeiro do Sul Among the cases registered in 2026 is that of a 7-year-old student, from Cruzeiro do Sul, diagnosed with meningitis caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. The case was confirmed in May. The girl was admitted to the Juruá Regional Hospital, left isolation after showing clinical improvement and continued to be monitored by the medical team. As the municipality's Epidemiological Surveillance reported at the time, the type of bacteria identified did not require measures such as suspension of classes or sanitary blockade at the school, as it does not usually cause outbreaks in this type of environment. Vaccination is the main form of prevention Ascom/SMS ? Vaccination is the main form of prevention Sesacre also reinforces that vaccination continues to be the main way to prevent the most serious forms of the disease. This year, the state started offering the 20-valent pneumococcal vaccine (VPC20) in the public network. The vaccine extends protection against 20 serotypes of pneumococcal bacteria, responsible for diseases such as pneumonia and meningitis, and is available for children under five years of age, institutionalized elderly people, indigenous people and people with specific clinical conditions, according to the criteria of the National Immunization Program (PNI). In March, Rio Branco also promoted a D-Day of vaccination against meningitis after registering nine cases of the disease in children and adolescents throughout 2025. In the action, around 800 doses of the vaccine against the disease were administered. ? Disease Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. The disease can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites and, when not treated quickly, can cause serious consequences, such as deafness and damage to the nervous system, in addition to leading to death. According to the Ministry of Health, the bacterial and viral forms are the most important for public health, and vaccination is the main form of prevention against some types of the disease. Symptoms and diagnosis The main symptoms of bacterial meningitis usually appear within a short time. They are: High fever; Malaise; Vomiting; Severe head and neck pain; Difficulty placing the chin on the chest; Red spots spread across the body (in some cases). In babies, you can also observe: Tense or elevated fontanel; Moaning when touched; Restlessness with high-pitched crying; Body rigidity with involuntary movements, or “soft” body, slouched. VIDEOS: g1