United States: Health authorities are issuing a warning to physicians to remain vigilant for specific categories of uncommon, severe meningococcal infections that are experiencing an escalation in the United States.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have conveyed through a recent health advisory that these infections, induced by a particular variant of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, may manifest with atypical symptoms. In the instances identified thus far this year, approximately 1 in 6 individuals have succumbed, exhibiting a heightened mortality rate compared to the typical occurrence of meningococcal infections, according to the reports shared by CNN.
Moreover, these occurrences are atypical in that they are affecting individuals in the middle age bracket. Conventionally, meningitis infections afflict infants, adolescents, and young adults.
The CDC’s advisory follows a cautionary message from the Virginia Department of Health concerning five fatalities resulting from the same uncommon, severe form of meningococcal disease in September.
Meningococcal disease encompasses any ailment induced by Neisseria meningitidis. The infection can result in both meningitis and a severe bloodstream infection known as septicemia or blood poisoning, the reports by CNN mentioned.
The bacteria can propagate from one individual to another through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions, typically occurring via kissing, coughing, sneezing, or close contact with infected individuals.
Four distinct groups of meningococcal bacteria are known to circulate in the United States — B, C, W, and Y. According to the CDC, in 2023, there were 422 reported cases of disease induced by these bacteria in the United States, marking the highest number reported since 2014. The majority of cases were attributed to a specific strain, ST-1466, which falls within the Y subgroup, as per the reports by CNN.
Thus far, 2024 is poised to exceed that figure. As of now, 143 cases have been documented in the United States — nearly 80% more than those reported at the equivalent point in 2023.
The CDC indicates that most individuals diagnosed with this particular strain are adults aged 30 to 60. A disproportionate percentage of cases, amounting to 63%, affect individuals of Black ethnicity, with 15% occurring in individuals with HIV.
Typical manifestations of meningitis infections encompass fever, cephalalgia, nuchal rigidity, photophobia, and emesis. However, many of the recently documented cases lack these symptoms. Approximately two-thirds of patients exhibit bloodstream infections, while around 4% suffer from excruciating, inflamed joints.
Indications of meningococcal bloodstream infections encompass fever and chills, fatigue, emesis, frigid extremities, rapid respiration, diarrhea, and, in advanced stages, a dusky violet rash.
Initial symptoms may resemble those of various other infections, but they deteriorate rapidly and can become life-threatening within hours, as per the CDC. Immediate administration of antibiotics is imperative. Survivors may endure enduring consequences such as deafness or the necessity for limb amputations, CNN mentioned.
A vaccine is available to safeguard against bacterial meningitis. It is advocated for children aged 11 to 12, and due to waning immunity, a booster shot is typically administered at the age of 16. Furthermore, individuals with specific medical conditions compromising immune function, such as HIV, are advised to receive this vaccine. The CDC recommends that vulnerable demographics should undergo booster vaccinations every 3 to 5 years.