US officials warn of increase in bacterial illnesses that can lead to meningitis and possibly death
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials are warning of an increase in rare bacterial illnesses than can lead to meningitis and possible death.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an alert to U.S. doctors on Thursday about an increase in cases of one type of invasive meningococcal disease, most of it due to a specific strain of bacteria.
Last year, 422 cases of it were reported in the U.S. — the most in a year since 2014. Already, 143 cases have been reported this year, meaning infections appear to be on track to surpass 2023, the CDC said. Most of the cases last year did not involve meningitis, though at least 17 died. The cases were disproportionately more common in adults ages 30 to 60, in Black people and in people who have HIV, the CDC said.
The bacteria can cause a dangerous brain and spinal cord inflammation called meningitis, with symptoms that may include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting. The bacteria also can cause a bloodstream infection with symptoms like chills, fatigue, cold hands and feet, rapid breathing, diarrhea, or, in later stages, a dark purple rash.
Related articles
At least 6 Egyptian women die after vehicle slides off ferry and plunges into Nile River
CAIRO (AP) — At least six Egyptian women died Tuesday after a vehicle carrying about two dozen peopl2024-05-22'Major logistics exercise' to deliver humanitarian aid from NZ to Gaza
The camp is sheltering about 2000 people, predominantly women and children. Photo: FIANZ / Supplied2024-05-22Winston Peters to meet Anthony Blinken and Trump official in Washington
Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver2024-05-22Biden hosts Kishida in official visit as US, Japan bolster defense ties
From cherry trees to collective deterrence, the United States and Japan celebrated their decadeslong2024-05-22At least 40 villagers shot dead in latest violence in Nigeria's conflict
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Armed men attacked remote villages in northcentral Nigeria, killing at least a2024-05-22US defense chief denies genocide committed in Gaza
Washington —The Pentagon is not backing off on its support for Israel, despite growing frustration b2024-05-22
atest comment