In 2019, meningitis was estimated to have caused 236,000 deaths globally. This figure comes with a 95% uncertainty interval (UI) of 204,000 to 277,000, reflecting the statistical nature of the estimate.
Understanding Meningitis Mortality in 2019
The global burden of meningitis-related deaths and cases was significant in 2019, with specific demographics bearing a disproportionately higher impact.
Key Statistics from 2019
| Metric | Global Estimate | 95% Uncertainty Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Total Deaths | 236,000 | 204,000–277,000 |
| Incident Cases | 2.51 million | 2.11–2.99 million |
Source: Data from 20-Jul-2023 reference.
Impact on Children Under Five
Children younger than 5 years old were particularly vulnerable to meningitis. In 2019, this age group accounted for a substantial portion of the total fatalities and cases:
- Deaths: 112,000 (UI: 87,400–145,000)
- Incident Cases: 1.28 million (UI: 0.947–1.71 million)
This highlights that nearly half of all meningitis deaths in 2019 occurred in very young children, underscoring the critical need for preventive measures and effective treatments for this age group.
Understanding the Estimates
It's important to note that the figures provided are estimates and include an uncertainty interval. This means that while 236,000 is the most likely number of deaths, the actual figure could fall anywhere within the given range (204,000 to 277,000). Such estimates are derived from comprehensive epidemiological studies to provide a robust understanding of disease burden, especially when exact counts are not feasible.
