The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an alert to health care providers due to an increasing number of cases of invasive meningococcal disease.
As of March 25, there have been 143 cases reported across the U.S., marking a significant increase from the 81 cases reported during the same period last year. The year 2023 saw a record high of 422 meningococcal disease cases, the highest number since 2014.
The alert warns providers to be vigilant for symptoms of the disease, especially among disproportionately affected groups. Black or African American people, those with HIV, and people aged between 30 and 60 years are being particularly hard-hit by this illness, according to the CDC.
Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. It is an airborne illness transmitted through respiratory and throat secretions during close or prolonged contact. Both people with meningococcal disease and asymptomatic carriers of the bacteria can spread the infection. However, only humans can host this bacterium.