The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about a concerning rise in invasive meningococcal disease in the United States, with 422 cases reported last year โ the highest number since 2014. This potentially deadly disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis and has a fatality rate of 10-15% even with appropriate treatment.
Symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and severe aches and pains. The disease can become life-threatening within hours, and survivors may experience long-term effects such as deafness or amputation.
So far this year, 143 cases have been reported to the CDC, marking an increase of 62 cases compared to last year. Vaccines against meningococcal bacteria groups A, C, W, Y, and B are available in the US and healthcare providers are urging the public to ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations.
Cases of invasive meningococcal disease have been disproportionately affecting 30- to 60-year-olds, Black people, and those with HIV, with a high fatality rate of 18%. The bacteria are spread through respiratory and throat secretions, not casual contact, highlighting the importance of practicing good hygiene to prevent the spread of the disease.
Healthcare providers are being urged to have a heightened suspicion for meningococcal disease, even among those without typical symptoms, and to ensure that those recommended for vaccination are up to date with their shots. Stay informed and take precautions to protect yourself and your community from this serious and potentially deadly disease.
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