André Biernath Nine people died from meningitis in Mato Grosso in 2026, according to the State Department of Health (SES-MT). In total, the state has already registered 55 cases of the disease this year, according to data released this Tuesday (9). According to the ministry, the number of deaths rose from eight to nine after updating the Notifiable Diseases Information System (Sinan), which now includes the death of Thauan da Silva Moreira, aged 3 months, in Tangará da Serra. In the last three years, this is the year with the most confirmed cases of the disease in the state. In 2024, there were 18 and, last year, 25. For comparison, in the annual total, there were 25 deaths in 2024 and 18 in 2025. ✅ Click here to follow the g1 MT channel on WhatsApp Now on g1 To date, the highest number of deaths is concentrated in children aged 5 to 9 years and adults aged 35 to 59 years (see the table below): Distribution of deaths by age group in MT In the state's municipalities, Sorriso and Sinop lead the number of deaths until this Tuesday (9), with two deaths each (see below the other cities that also had confirmed deaths). Distribution of deaths by municipalities in MT Despite the records, SES states that there is no indication of an outbreak in the state. The cases are monitored by Epidemiological Surveillance, in conjunction with municipalities, Regional Health Offices and health units. Vaccination The vaccine against other types of meningitis is available at health centers for children under 1 year of age. In total, seven vaccines are recommended and available through the Unified Health System (SUS): BCG: protects against tuberculous meningitis. Vaccination schedule: single dose (at birth). Meningococcal vaccine C (conjugate): Protects against meningococcal disease caused by serogroup C. Vaccination schedule: 1st dose at 3 months of age; 2nd dose at 5 months of age and booster dose at 12 months of age. ACWY meningococcal vaccine (conjugate): Protects against meningococcal disease caused by serogroups A, C, W and Y. Vaccination schedule: one dose in adolescents aged 11 and 12, depending on vaccination status. 10-valent pneumococcal vaccine (conjugate): protects against invasive diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, including meningitis. Vaccination schedule: 1st dose at 2 months of age; 2nd dose at 4 months of age and booster dose at 12 months of age. 23-valent pneumococcal (Polysaccharide): Protects against invasive diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, including meningitis. One dose is sufficient to provide protection against the pneumococcal serotypes contained in the vaccine. Vaccination schedule: It is available to the entire indigenous population over 5 years of age, without proof of the 10-valent pneumococcal vaccine (Conjugate). For the population over 60 years of age (institutionalized), revaccination is indicated once and must be carried out 5 years after the initial dose. 13-valent pneumococcal (Conjugated): Protects against invasive diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, including meningitis. Vaccination schedule: It is available at the Reference Centers for Special Immunobiologicals (CRIEs) for the following special groups: individuals over 5 years of age, including adults with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients, solid organ transplant recipients and hematopoietic stem cell (bone marrow) transplant recipients. Pentavalent: Protects against invasive diseases caused by Haemophilus influenzae serotype B, such as meningitis Vaccination schedule: 1st dose at 2 months of age; 2nd dose at 4 months of age and 3rd dose at 6 months of age. The type B variant of the disease does not have a vaccine available free of charge in the Unified Health System (SUS) and the dose costs around R$800 in the private network. What are the symptoms? Meningitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi and other agents. Therefore, not all cases require the same control measures. Actions depend on epidemiological investigation and identification of the causative agent. In a note, the municipality's city hall reported that it is monitoring the case in real time and advised families to closely observe, in the coming hours and days, the emergence of the following symptoms in children: sudden high fever intense headache vomiting stiffness or pain in the neck excessive sleepiness or difficulty waking up unusual irritability confusion or change in behavior light sensitivity red or purple spots on the skin convulsions According to SES-MT, in young children, signs such as irritability, persistent crying and food refusal should also be observed. If the child shows important signs, it is recommended that a health unit be sought immediately. What is meningitis? According to the Ministry of Health, meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Viral and bacterial meningitis are the most important for public health, considering the magnitude of their occurrence and the potential to produce outbreaks. Also according to the agency, in Brazil, meningitis is considered an endemic disease, that is, cases are expected throughout the year, with outbreaks and occasional epidemics occurring. Bacterial meningitis is more common in autumn and winter, while viral meningitis predominates in spring and summer. As it is a serious and contagious disease, meningitis can cause consequences and even death. Vaccination is the most effective form of prevention. Recommendations The main guidance from SES is to keep vaccinations up to date, especially among children and adolescents. The Unified Health System (SUS) offers free vaccines against meningitis C and types A, C, W and Y in basic health units. The department also advises the population to seek medical attention when experiencing symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, vomiting and mental confusion. Finally, SES warns to avoid self-medication and the use of antibiotics without medical advice. The ministry said it will continue to monitor cases and provide support to municipalities.