Meningitis remains an important public health challenge in Brazil. According to the Ministry of Health, in the first four months of 2025 alone, 1,980 cases were recorded in the country. The disease is an inflammation of the meninges, membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi and even non-infectious factors.

Although it can affect people of all ages, extra attention should be paid to children. This is because, especially in the first years of life, signs they may be less evident and make early diagnosis difficult. In children, especially babies, the disease can manifest itself in a more subtle way.

“The symptoms are not always classic, which requires attention to changes in behavior and non-specific signs”, explains Dr. Gustavo Pinato, doctor and postgraduate professor in Pediatrics at Afya Ribeirão Preto.

Symptoms of meningitis in children

The symptoms of meningitis vary depending on age. In babies, signs such as fever or even hypothermia, food refusal, irritability, drowsiness, changes in muscle tone, respiratory discomfort and convulsions may appear, which is one of the most common signs in this age group. Vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal crying and bulging of the fontanelle may also occur.

In older children and adolescents, symptoms tend to be more typical, but the so-called classic triad: fever, stiff neck and change in mental state, appears in only 40% to 50% of cases, according to data from BMJ Best Practice.

Meningitis prevention

The main form of prevention against the most serious types of meningitis is vaccinationavailable in the children’s calendar and in specific campaigns. Some of the agents that cause the disease are covered by the National Immunization Program.

Furthermore, simple measures help reduce transmission, such as washing your hands frequently, avoiding contact with sick people and not taking children with symptoms into public spaces. “The advancement of vaccination has a direct impact on reducing the most serious cases, but raising awareness about symptoms and quickly seeking care are still essential to save lives”, reinforces Dr. Janaína Teixeira, doctor and professor of Infectious Diseases at Afya São João del Rei.

By Beatriz Felicio