2023-09-04 21:10:00
The health authorities of thestate of virginia report a statewide epidemic of meningococcal meningitis. Twenty-seven cases of meningococcal disease, caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis type Y, have been reported in eastern, central, and southwestern Virginia since June 2022. This number of cases is three times the number of cases expected during this time. At least one case of meningococcal disease associated with an outbreak has been reported in the following local health districts: Alleghany, Hampton, Henrico, Norfolk, Peninsula, Pittsylvania/Danville, Portsmouth, Roanoke, Southside, Virginia Beach, Western Tidewater. Most cases are residents of eastern Virginia (20).
Five patients died from complications associated with this disease. The strain associated with this outbreak is known to be circulating more widely in the United States.
No common risk factor has been determined; however, genetic sequencing of the available samples confirmed that the cases were strongly genetically linked.
Most patients are black or African American adults between the ages of 30 and 60. Twenty-six patients were not vaccinated against Neisseria meningitidis type Y.
In general, and as long as the outbreak continues, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recommends the following:
Do not share personal objects (for example, lipsticks, toothbrushes, etc.). Practice good hand hygiene. Avoid close contact with sick people. Do not delay in consulting if you have symptoms of meningococcal disease. Ensure that adolescents receive the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) on time, at age 11 or 12, and then a booster dose at age 15-16. If you are at increased risk of meningococcal disease, talk to your health care provider to make sure you are up to date in receiving the MenACWY vaccine.
Source : Outbreak News Today, Virginia Department of Health.
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