The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned that cases of the invasive disease, which causes meningitis, which kills one in six patients, are on the rise.
announced by health authorities caveat On Thursday, it reported a spike in invasive meningococcal infections, primarily caused by the rare bacterial infection Neisseria meningitidis.
This bacteria can be spread through actions such as kissing, coughing, sneezing, or close contact with someone who is infected.
Last year, 422 cases of infection were reported nationwide, the highest since 2014. Currently, there have already been 143 cases between the new year and March 25, a significant increase from the 81 cases recorded at this time in 2023.
“This type is different from the common type in many ways. It is more deadly, causes a variety of symptoms, and affects patients who are much older than usual.” daily mail reportciting CDC data.
This current strain can cause typical meningitis symptoms such as fever, headache, and bone pain, as well as a blood infection.
Health officials also noted that this strain of the virus disproportionately affects people between the ages of 30 and 60, people of color, and people living with HIV.
This is noteworthy because 65% of infections recorded so far have been in middle-aged adults, and infections are usually more common in infants, adolescents, and young adults.
“Typically, meningitis infections kill about 10 percent of patients, but with the rise in meningitis infections, about one in six people are dying,” the newspaper said.
Of the 94 patients with known outcomes, 17 have died, according to the CDC.
The actual number is likely to be higher once the report is completed.
If symptoms are noticed, authorities stress the need for prompt antibiotic treatment.
Signs of meningitis pic.twitter.com/ORwhcRT2WW
— Oren Gottfried, MD (@OGdukeneurosurg) March 24, 2024
