OBJECTIVE:
to describe adjusted estimates of meningitis case numbers for Brazil, the Brazilian states and regions, 2008-2009.
METHODS:
the estimates were adjusted based on the meningitis fatality rate taking cases reported on the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) and deaths reported on the Mortality Information System (SIM). The method involved three stages: 1) Selection of SINAN cases; 2) SINAN and SIM code matching and obtaining the number of deaths from the SIM system; 3) SINAN underreporting assessment and adjustment.
RESULTS:
9,229 meningitis cases were initially found on SINAN. After adjustment, 12,261 cases were estimated in Brazil, 2008-2009. Considerable variability was found between states and between groups of meningitis severity.
CONCLUSION:
meningitis cases were underreported on SINAN, compared to SIM. The importance of strategies for strengthening information systems is highlighted, such as health professional training.
Meningitis; Epidemiological Surveillance, Health Information Systems; Estimation Techniques
