4-month-old baby dies from type C meningitis in Pouso Alegre

Meningitis C (serogroup C meningococcal meningitis) is a serious bacterial infection that inflames the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

According to information from Epidemiological Surveillance, the baby was not up to date with his vaccination against meningitis and had failed to receive the dose scheduled for three months of age.

According to Pouso Alegre's Health Surveillance coordinator, Tatiana Guerra, after confirming the baby's death, preventive measures were adopted for people who had contact with the child.

"We had the report of the baby's death and we have already made contact with the family. Chemoprophylaxis for the professionals she underwent care. There were 10 professionals who received this care. And the 26 people in the family, which is large. She had greater contact with the family", he explained.

The guidance of Epidemiological Surveillance is that people who have had contact with the child should be alert to the appearance of signs and symptoms and seek medical attention if they present any suspicious manifestations.

With this case, Pouso Alegre reaches three deaths from meningitis registered in 2026. The other victims were a 30-year-old man and a 67-year-old woman. According to Epidemiological Surveillance, the three cases were caused by type C meningitis, but there is no relationship between them.

In babies and young children, symptoms may be more difficult to identify. Therefore, the recommendation is to seek medical attention in the event of suspicious signs, without self-medicating the child.

Vaccination is one of the main forms of prevention against the types of meningitis covered by the vaccines available in the vaccination calendar.

The guidance is that parents and guardians should look for the nearest health unit to check their children's vaccination records and check if there are any overdue doses.