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This infection, known as invasive meningococcal disease, occurs when a bacterium called Neisseria meningitidis invades the body and causes infection. It’s estimated that about 1 in 10 people carry the bacteria in their nose and throat without getting sick, but certain populations are vulnerable to infection. These include children; People with medical conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV; and those taking certain antibody-based medications.
NEW YORK – US health officials are warning of an increase in a rare bacterial illness that can cause meningitis and potentially death.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an alert to U.S. physicians Thursday about an increase in cases of a type of invasive meningococcal disease, most of them caused by a specific strain of the bacteria.
In 2023, 422 cases of invasive meningococcal disease will be reported in the United States, the highest annual rate since 2014, the CDC reported in a health advisory issued Thursday (March 28). And as of this week, 143 cases have already been reported in 2024 — more than 60 more than were reported at this time last year.
An illustration of meningococcal meningitisScience Photo Library—Getty Images
Based on genetic analysis of nearly 150 cases in 2023, a strain called ST-1466 was behind most serogroup Y infections. The strain has previously been implicated in an increase in meningococcal disease in people with HIV. In 2023, the strain disproportionately infected people aged 30 to 60 years (65% of cases), black people (63%) and people with HIV (15%).
“Although the initial symptoms of meningococcal disease may be nonspecific at first, they quickly worsen and the disease can become life-threatening within hours,” the CDC warns. “Immediate antibiotic treatment is important for meningococcal disease. Survivors may experience long-term effects such as deafness or amputation.”
10% to 15% of affected patients die from the disease. Last year, about 17, or about 18%, of the subset of patients with known outcomes died, the CDC reported.
The agency is urging doctors to have a “high suspicion” for a possible diagnosis of meningococcal disease and to check that their patients are up to date on vaccines.
According to the CDC, children should receive a meningococcal vaccine called MenACWY at age 11 or 12, as well as a booster dose at age 16. A second vaccine, MenB, protects against a type of meningococcal disease not covered by MenACWY and can be given to adolescents and young adults at high risk of infection. The CDC also recommends that some young children and adults in at-risk groups receive regular doses of the vaccine.
