On 7 October, the city of São Paulo had already recorded five cases of meningococcal meningitis in the regions of Vila Formosa and Aricanduva, on the east side of the capital. One of the patients is a two-month-old baby. The other four are adults. Among them, the death of a 42-year-old woman was confirmed.
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Outbreak
The situation is already considered an outbreak by the Municipal Health Department, because “there are three or more cases of the same type in a period of 90 days in the same location”, according to authorities.
Increase in Demand for Vaccines
The outbreak in the East Zone caused an increase in the demand for vaccine in the public network and in private clinics and has encouraged the population to also seek immunizations against other diseases.
Anyone aged between 3 months and 64 years old who lives, works or studies within 3 km of the region where these cases are reported can receive the vaccine at the local basic health units —UBS Formosa II, UBS Vila Guarani, UBS Jardim Iva and UBS Commander José Gonzalez. It is mandatory to present proof of residence.
Death in the North Zone and Case in the South Zone
A 22-year-old man from the North Zone also died last week and, according to the Health Ministry, the case would not be related to the East Zone outbreak. There were 10 deaths from meningitis this year in the city.
Another case was reported in the South Zone, where a 22-year-old woman was diagnosed with the illness.
