CDC Issues Alert for Surge in Rare and Deadly Bacterial Infections
The CDC has issued an alert about a spike in invasive bacterial infections, particularly meningococcal disease caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, with 422 cases reported in 2021 and 143 cases so far in 2022. A specific strain, serogroup Y ST-1466, is affecting adults aged 30-60, Black or African American individuals, and those with HIV, with a higher fatality rate of 18%. Symptoms include fever, stiff neck, and a dark purple rash, and transmission can occur through close contact. Vaccines are available to protect against certain variations, and prompt antibiotic treatment is crucial.
