CDC warns doctors to watch out for rare, severe bacterial infections with unusual symptoms.
Bacterial Infections With Unusual Symptoms
Disease Prevention said in a new health alert that infections caused by certain strains of Neisseria meningitidis can cause unusual symptoms. About 1 in 6 people have died in cases identified so far this year, a higher death rate than is typically associated with meningococcal infections.
These cases are also unusual in that they are strikingly middle-aged adults. Meningitis usually affects infants or teenagers and young adults.
The CDC warning comes after the Virginia Department of Health warned in September of five deaths from the same rare and severe form of meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease refers to any disease. A disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis. The infection can cause both meningitis and a serious bloodstream infection called septicemia or blood poisoning.
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The bacteria can spread from person to person through the exchange of respiratory and pharyngeal secretions, usually through kissing, coughing and sneezing. or live in close contact with others who are infected.
Four different groups of meningococcal bacteria can circulate in the United States — B, C, W, and Y. According to the CDC, there have been 422 cases of meningococcal bacteria. in 2023. Illnesses caused by these bacteria reported in the United States, the highest number since 2014. Most of them were caused by a certain ST-1466 strain, which belongs to the Y subgroup.
So far, 2024 have progressed over that number. So far, 143 cases have been reported in the United States — a nearly 80% increase from 2023. Most people diagnosed with it are adults between the ages of 30 and 60, according to the CDC. 63% of cases are in black people and 15% in people with HIV.
Typical symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, stiff neck, aversion to light and nausea. Many of the newly reported cases do not have these symptoms. About two-thirds of patients have bloodstream infections, and about 4% have had painful, inflamed joints.
Symptoms of a meningococcal bloodstream infection include fever and chills, fatigue, vomiting, cold hands and feet, rapid breathing, diarrhea, and later. stages , a dark purple rash.
The initial symptoms can resemble many different infections, but they worsen quickly and can become life-threatening within hours, the CDC said. Immediate antibiotic treatment is important. Survivors may experience long-term effects such as deafness or amputations of arms and legs.
There is a vaccine that protects against bacterial meningitis. It is recommended for children between 11 and 12 years of age, and a boost is usually given at age 16 when protection wanes. It is also recommended for people with certain immunosuppressive diseases, such as HIV. The CDC says people in vulnerable groups should get a booster shot of the vaccine every 3 to 5 years.
News source : Livescience