The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns about a surge in meningococcal disease, which is a rare bacterial disease that could cause meningitis.

Surge of Meningococcal Disease

The CDC issued the alert to doctors, noting the rise of cases of a specific type of meningococcal disease. The majority of them are due to a specific bacterial strain, namely one from the meningococcal bacteria group Y.

The US saw 422 reported cases in 2023. This marked the highest annual number since the year 2014.

There have already been 143 reported cases as of March 25 this year. The CDC notes that, with this, infections seem to be on the way to surpass the levels of 2023.

The CDC notes that cases were more disproportionately prevalent among adults who were 30 to 60 years old, individuals with HIV, and Black individuals. With this, healthcare providers have been urged to pay more attention and suspicion for the condition among these groups of people.

The CDC also warns that individuals could exhibit joint or bloodstream infection without the usual meningitis symptoms, such as fever, stiff neck, and a headache.

Among the six meningococcal bacteria groups (A, B, C, W, X, and Y), four circulate across the US. Vaccines are available to combat all strains except the X group. Officials advise that all children should receive a shot for meningococcal conjugate vaccine when they start middle school. The CDC also advises a booster shot when they reach 16 years old, as vaccine protection typically fades over time.

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What Is Meningococcal Disease?

Meningococcal disease is a condition that is caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. The disease is a serious bacterial infection that may affect the bloodstream, spinal cord, and brain.

The condition could take various forms. Typically, it presents itself as a bloodstream infection or meningitis infection. The CDC notes that both of them are extremely serious conditions and could end up deadly in just a matter of hours.

Meningococcal meningitis refers to when tissue that covers the spinal cord and brain become infected and swollen. Symptoms of this condition typically include stick neck, headache, and fever. Other symptoms could include confusion, nausea, vomiting, and photophobia.

On the other hand, meningococcal bloodstream infection leads to damages on the blood vessel walls and causes bleeding within the organs and skin. Symptoms may include fatigue, chills, fever, cold hands and feet, diarrhea, vomiting, rapid breathing, severe aches, and dark purple rashes.

Meningococcal bacteria can be spread via respiratory or throat secretions (spit or saliva). Hence, the disease can be passed through extended direct or close contact. Such gestures may include sharing drinks, kissing, or coughing.

The good thing is that they are not as contagious compared to flu- or cold-causing germs. The bacteria is not usually transmitted by breathing air or casual contact with someone who has the condition.

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