U.S. health officials have issued a warning regarding a rise in rare bacterial illnesses that can lead to meningitis and potentially fatal outcomes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alerted U.S. doctors about a surge in cases of invasive meningococcal disease, primarily caused by a specific strain of bacteria.
In 2022, the U.S. reported 422 cases of this particular bacterial illness, marking the highest number in a year since 2014. As of this year, 143 cases have already been documented, indicating a potential surpassing of last year's figures. While most cases in 2022 did not involve meningitis, at least 17 individuals succumbed to the illness. The infections were notably more prevalent among adults aged 30 to 60, Black individuals, and those with HIV.
