CDC warns of increase in bacterial illnesses that can lead to meningitis
The CDC issued an alert to doctors about an increase in rare bacterial illnesses than can lead to meningitis and possible death.
U.S. health officials are warning of an increase in rare bacterial illnesses that can lead to meningitis and possible death.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an alert to U.S. doctors on Thursday about an increase in cases of one type of invasive meningococcal disease, most of it due to a specific strain of bacteria.
Last year, 422 cases of it were reported in the U.S. — the most in a year since 2014. Already, 143 cases have been reported this year, meaning infections appear to be on track to surpass 2023, the CDC said. Most of the cases last year did not involve meningitis, though at least 17 died.
The cases were disproportionately more common in adults ages 30 to 60, in Black people and in people who have HIV, the CDC said.
Officials told NBC News that the cases last year were detected in 20 states. Departments of health in Texas and Virginia have previously alerted the public about upticks in meningococcal disease.
Rating: 5