The coronavirus pandemic and its repercussions on hospitalization for meningococcal infection in Brazil in 2020

Background and aims: Meningococcal infection is transmitted mainly through respiratory secretions and saliva. For that, it is important to assess the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, through measures of social isolation and mandatory use of masks, on the meningococcal transmission chain. Methods: The first semesters of the years 2016 to 2019 and 2020 were compared. Data on hospitalizations were extracted from the Hospital Information System (SIH). Variables analyzed: absolute number of hospitalizations and percentage of hospitalized patients by age group. Results: Regarding the number of hospitalizations, the average in the period from 2016 to 2019 was 529.25;in 2020, 278. About hospitalizations by age group (average of 2016-2019, average of 2020): children under one year old (13.31%, 13.79%);from 1-19 years (27.7%, 40.62%);from 20-59 years (39.57%, 33.77%);individuals over 60 years (19.42%, 11.81%). Conclusion: In 2020, there was a 45.88% reduction compared to the previous four years. Thus, social isolation, increased individual health measures probably caused a decrease in meningococcal transmission. The absence of teaching activities justifies the 13% reduction in hospitalizations between 1-19 years. In the group from 20 to 59, it increased by 6%, probably by being active at work and therefore more exposed. In the elderly, hospitalizations increased 8%, possibly because they probably had work activities. Thus, individuals aged 20-59 or more started to represent a higher percentage among hospitalized patients, despite the reduction in the total number of hospitalizations.