In September 2023, the Virginia Department of Health announced that five people across the state died from a rare, serious, and somewhat unusual strain of meningococcal disease. Now, reports Brenda Goodman of CNN, the CDC is also speaking up to warn people across the country. 

A Brief Overview of Meningococcal Disease 

Meningococcal disease refers to infections or illnesses caused by Neisseria meningitidis, a type of bacteria also known as meningococcus. These bacteria can cause severe and potentially life-threatening infections, such as bacterial meningitis or septicemia. Neisseria meningitidis can be spread through spit and saliva—for example, through sneezing, kissing, or coughing. If you are taking complement inhibitors such as Soliris, you are at an increased risk of contracting meningococcal disease.

Typically, bacterial meningitis occurs in infants, adolescents, and young adults. People with meningitis may experience symptoms such as a fever, neck stiffness, nausea and vomiting, light sensitivity, a headache, and confusion (if affected the meninges). For septicemia, symptoms can include chills, a fever, nausea and vomiting, cold hands and feet, rapid breathing, severe pain, a dark purple rash, and diarrhea. These conditions can be fatal. It is important to pursue care immediately. 

The Recent Uptick in Cases

On March 28, 2024, the CDC released a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory stating:

“An increase in invasive meningococcal disease, mainly attributable to Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y.”

422 cases were reported in the United States in 2023; so far, in 2024, we have seen 143 reported cases. This represents a significant uptick – about 80% – from what we saw this time last year.

These cases are also somewhat unusual. First, the meningococcal disease is appearing more often in middle-aged adults rather than infants and young adults. The most common age of infection in increasing cases is between 30-60 years old. A majority of cases (63%) are occurring in Black individuals. Additionally, 15% of those affected have HIV. 

The symptomatology is also unusual. Most individuals have contracted septicemia rather than bacterial meningitis. Most of them are not presenting with the typical symptoms. Instead, people are experiencing painful joint inflammation. 

Finally, the mortality rate is higher than usually observed in meningococcal disease. In these cases, it is fatal in about 1 in every 6 people. 

If you are showing signs of meningococcal disease, please see your physician or go to the emergency room as soon as possible.