Hospitalizations for viral encephalitis in Brazil between 2015 and 2025: an analysis of the epidemiological profile

Abstract

Background: Viral encephalitis is a potentially severe inflammatory condition of the central nervous system associated with high morbidity, risk of neurological sequelae and the need for immediate hospital management. In Brazil, its occurrence may reflect different infectious and immunological etiologies with a relevant impact on hospital care. In this context, the epidemiological analysis of hospitalizations contributes to understanding the behavior of the disease and supports the development of surveillance and healthcare strategies. Objective: To characterize the epidemiological profile of hospitalizations due to Viral encephalitis in Brazil between 2015 and 2025. Methods: This is an ecological, cross-sectional, retrospective, and descriptive study based on secondary data. Hospital morbidity data, collected from the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) database (DATASUS), were used to determine the prevalence of hospitalizations for Viral encephalitis in Brazil from 2015 to 2025, addressing the number of hospitalizations, region, gender, age group, ethnicity, and the number of deaths. Results: During the analyzed period, 22,494 hospitalizations for Viral encephalitis were recorded in Brazil. Of this total, the Northeast region stood out with 8,961 hospitalizations (39.84%), followed by the Southeast Region with 6,090 (27.07%). On the other hand, the Central-West region had the lowest number of reports, with only 1,603 hospitalizations (7.13%) during the period. In terms of age group, the data showed a higher concentration of hospitalizations among individuals aged 1–4 and 5–9 years, with 3,661 (16.28%) and 2,705 (12.03%) cases, respectively. Regarding gender, there was a male predominance in all regions, totaling 12,159 records (54.05%) compared with 10,335 (45.95%) among females. Concerning ethnicity, the mixed-race (pardo) population predominated, accounting for 11,571 hospitalizations (51.44%), followed by the white population with 5,985 (26.61%). Finally, 1,238 deaths were recorded between 2015 and 2025, with a peak in 2016. Conclusion: Hospitalizations for viral encephalitis in Brazil between 2015 and 2025 showed a heterogeneous regional distribution, with a higher concentration in the Northeast region. The predominance of cases among children aged 1 to 9 years highlights the greater vulnerability of the pediatric population. A higher frequency was also observed among males and individuals of mixed race. The record of 1,238 deaths during the period, with a peak in 2016, reinforces the potential severity of the disease. These findings highlight the importance of continuous epidemiological monitoring and strengthening surveillance and healthcare strategies within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS).