Rise in Meningococcal Disease with Invasive Serogroup Y in the United States

Meningococcal Disease: Neisseria meningitidis is the bacterium that causes meningococcal illness, a dangerous bacterial infection. This bacterium can lead to bloodstream infections (septicemia) and meningitis, which is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord.

The disease is spread by an infected person’s respiratory and throat secretions, including saliva, coughing, and kissing. It is most frequently observed in settings with high population density, such military barracks, refugee camps, and college dorms.

Meningococcal disease can cause a wide range of symptoms, but frequently manifests as a sharp fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, confusion, and rash. Meningococcal illness can cause a unique rash that frequently begins as little red patches that can grow into larger, purplish bruises very quickly.

If meningococcal disease is not treated with antibiotics right once, it can spread quickly and cause major consequences like hearing loss, limb amputation, brain damage, and even death.

The most reliable method of preventing meningococcal illness is vaccination. There are several vaccinations that target different serogroups of the bacteria, such as A, C, W, Y, and B. Adolescents and young adults, particularly those living in close quarters such as college students, military personnel, and visitors to areas where the disease is common, are frequently advised to get these immunisations.

Suggestions for Departments of Public Health

• Make sure medical professionals are aware of the rising incidence of invasive meningococcal illness, especially in the 30- to 60-year-old age group and among Black or African American individuals.
• Maintain sending the CDC all meningococcal isolates for testing for antibiotic susceptibility and whole-genome sequencing.
• If you have any questions or concerns regarding the rise in meningococcal disease cases in your area, or about the investigation and containment of outbreaks, email the CDC at meningnet@cdc.gov.

Recommendations for Healthcare Providers

• Keep an eye out for invasive meningococcal illness and begin antibiotic therapy right away for anyone who exhibits symptoms. For individuals suspected of having meningococcal illness, cultures of their blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are recommended [1].
• Understand that invasive meningococcal illness can strike anyone in any age or population.
• Persons with HIV, Black or African American persons, and those in their 30s to 60s are disproportionately affected by the current rises in disease.
• Note that patients with invasive meningococcal disease may not exhibit the usual meningitis symptoms (e.g., headache, stiff neck), and instead may present with septic arthritis or bloodstream infection.
• Make sure that everyone who is advised to have a meningococcal vaccination has received the most recent dose.
  • Every 11–12-year-old needs to have the MenACWY immunisation. At age 16, the CDC advises a booster dose because protection diminishes with age.
  • It is advised that individuals with medical conditions that put them at higher risk, such as those with HIV, receive a 2-dose primary MenACWY series and booster doses every 3-5 years, depending on their age.
• Notify the state, territory, local, or tribal health agencies right soon if invasive meningococcal disease is suspected or confirmed.
• For any inquiries regarding the management of meningococcal illness or contact prophylaxis, including modifications based on local patterns of meningococcal resistance, speak with your state or local health agency.

Recommendations for the Public

• Seek prompt medical assistance in the event that you or your child experiences symptoms of meningococcal disease:
  • Meningitis symptoms could include stiff neck, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, or disturbed mental state.
  • Symptoms of meningococcal bloodstream infection may include fever and chills, fatigue, vomiting, cold hands and feet, severe aches and pains, rapid breathing, diarrhea, or, in later stages, a dark purple rash.
  • While symptoms of meningococcal disease can at first be nonspecific, they worsen rapidly, and the disease can become life-threatening within hours.
• Discuss any recommended booster doses for the  meningococcal vaccines with your healthcare provider, as well as any recommended immunisations that may be advised for you, your family, and your home.