This surge is notable not only because the infection disproportionately affects African Americans and people living with HIV, but also people between the ages of 30 and 60. In general, infants under 1 year of age, teens between 16 and 23 years of age, and people over 85 years of age are at increased risk of contracting meningococcal disease.
The agency said medical professionals should step up monitoring for meningitis symptoms and the public should take steps to prevent the spread of meningitis.
“We're not recommending any special precautions,” said Lucy McNamara, an epidemiologist in the CDC's meningitis and vaccine-preventable diseases division.
“We want the public to be aware of the symptoms of meningococcal disease and to contact their health care provider if they or a family member has these symptoms,” she said. said, adding that authorities also “want to confirm that the person has symptoms of meningococcal disease.” We are up to date on meningococcal vaccination. ”
Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes known as meninges that cover the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by a variety of infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Certain medications or autoimmune diseases. The cause of meningococcal disease is Neisseria meningitidis Bacteria. Four of the six known subgroups of this bacterium are prevalent in the United States, and the increase in cases is believed to be primarily due to one strain, called serotype Y.
Meningitis can cause symptoms such as severe headache, fever, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, and confusion. In severe cases, it can lead to neurological damage, coma, and even death.
How does meningitis spread?
Meningococcal disease is spread primarily through close contact, such as coughing, sneezing, and kissing, or by living near an infected person. It is not contagious through daily contact, but requires close, prolonged contact with an infected person to become infected.
Meningococcosis spreads through large droplets, so it's not as contagious as a cold or the flu, but experts still recommend taking precautions to prevent the spread. Otto Yang, vice chief of infectious diseases at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine, said distancing, masks, hand washing and vaccines are standard precautions to take.
Is there a vaccine for meningitis?
Vaccines targeting serogroups A, C, W, and Y and another targeting serogroup B are available in the United States and are recommended for people with certain risk factors or medical conditions.
The CDC recommends that all 11- to 12-year-olds receive the MenACWY vaccine, with a booster dose at age 16 to maintain immunity. For high-risk groups, such as people with HIV, special vaccination plans are recommended that include regular booster shots for as long as they are at risk.
At this time, there are no changes to the recommended vaccination schedule.
Why are meningitis on the rise?
The reasons why this strain is increasing among certain demographics are still unclear, said Amesh Adalja, a senior fellow at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security and an adjunct assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. It is said that it is not understood.
Adalja added that the reason the infection appears to be affecting Black people could be related to genetics or how the infection is spreading between different groups.
“You don't just get exposed to bacteria and suddenly get infected,” Adalja said. Bacteria must first colonize the host and then develop into an invasive disease, which takes time. This progression is likely influenced by the level of colonization within certain demographics, which may be related to the tendency of this strain to infect certain groups.
What can patients and healthcare providers do to protect people from meningitis?
The CDC recommends that health care providers be on the lookout for meningococcal disease and immediately begin antibiotic treatment if infection is suspected. The agency also said health care providers should be aware that some patients may have bloodstream infections or septic arthritis and not show symptoms typical of meningitis. Ta.
“Individuals are not showing classic signs of meningitis, so we need to consider this outside of meningitis,” Adalja said.
The CDC also recommends that people seek immediate medical attention if they or a family member develops symptoms, as the disease can worsen quickly and become life-threatening within hours.
