HEALTH officials in Virginia have declared a statewide outbreak of meningococcal disease, after it infected 27 people and claimed five lives.
Cases are three times higher than expected for this time of year, placing the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) on high alert.
GettyTwenty seven cases of deadly meningococcal disease have been spotted in Virginia[/caption]
Meningococcal disease is is the collective name given to disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, according to Meningitis Now.
In rare cases, it can cause meningitis – an infection of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord – but it can also result in septicaemia, also known as blood poisoning. This occurs when disease-carrying bacteria enter the bloodstream.
These two infections can occur on their own or together, as is more common.
In an alert issued last week, VDH said twenty-seven cases of meningococcal disease, caused Neisseria meningitidis type Y, had been reported since June 2022.
Cases began popping in western Virginia, prompting a regional outbreak to be announced in September last year.
But reports of the deadly infection have now spread to central, and southwest Virginia, resulting in five patients dying of complications from the disease, VDH wrote.
Most of the 27 patients were Black or African American adults aged between 30-60 and all but one were not vaccinated for Neisseria meningitidis type Y.
The health department added: “The strain associated with this outbreak is known to be circulating more widely in the United States.”
In the UK, there are five main meningococcal strains that commonly cause disease in the UK, MenA, MenB, MenC, MenW, MenY.
MenB is behind the majority of UK cases, according to Meningitis Now.
The charity said that around 10 per cent of the population actually carries meningococcal bacteria in the back of their throats or nose at any given time, usually causing no harm – in fact, it can help build immunity.
But occasionally, the bacteria can defeat the body’s defences and cause infection.
Those most at risk are babies and young children, followed by teenager s and young people.
Symptoms of meningococcal disease can first appear flu-like and may quickly become more severe. It can be treated with antibiotics, but it’s imperative that anyone with these symptoms be admitted to the hospital quickly.
If you experience any of the following signs, don’t delay seeking treatment:
Fever and fatigueHeadacheNausea and vomitingStiffness of neckPhotophobia (sensitivity to light)Rapid breathingLoss of appetiteMuscle painIrritability and confusionSeizures
Symptoms of meningococcal septicemia can differ slightly, including:
FeverChillsNauseaVomitingDiarrheaCold hands and feetBody achesA dark purple rash on the skin
How can I keep myself safe from meningococcal disease?
The best way to protect yourself from meningococcal disease is vaccination.
According to NHS guidance, vaccinations that can protect against certain causes of meningitis include the:
MenB vaccine – offered to babies aged eight weeks, followed by a second dose at 16 weeks and a booster at one year6-in-1 vaccine – offered to babies at eight, 12 and 16 weeks pneumococcal vaccine – two doses offered to babies at 12 weeks and 1 year, and a single dose offered to adults aged 65 or overHib/MenC vaccine – offered to babies at one year of ageMMR vaccine – offered to babies at one year and a second dose at 3 years and 4 monthsMenACWY vaccine – offered to teenagers, sixth formers and “fresher” students going to university for the first time
The bacteria causing the infection spreads from person to person through kissing, coughing and sneezing, or sharing cups, water bottles, eating utensils, and cigarettes.
VDH recommended you:
Don’t share personal items such as vapes, lipsticks, toothbrushesPractice good hand hygieneAvoid close contact with people who are sick