Statewide outbreak of meningococcal disease linked to 5 deaths in Virginia: What to know
RICHMOND, Va. − An outbreak of meningococcal disease in Virginia is growing, state health officials announced this week, and nearly a half-dozen people have died as a result of the eruption.
According to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), 27 cases of the disease, caused by a bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis type Y, have been identified in eastern, central, and southwest Virginia since June 2022.
"This development is three times the expected number of cases during this time period," the department said in a news release.
A vast majority of the cases have been among unvaccinated individuals, the department said. Black adults between 30 and 60 years old make up a majority of the cases.
Here's what you know about the outbreak.
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Five deaths
Five people have died as a result of complications associated with the disease and the strain associated with the outbreak is known to be circulating widely in the U.S., the agency said.
Most people affected by the outbreak live in eastern Virginia, where a regional outbreak was first announced in September 2022. Prior to the Wednesday notice, the most recent alert from the department was released in March 2023, when 12 cases and three deaths were announced.
What is meningococcal disease?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, meningococcal disease is rare, but the illness is often severe, and can lead to death.
The bacterium is often found in the nose and throat of people without causing the disease. But people can develop serious forms of illness, such as meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) or septicemia (a bloodstream infection).
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How does meningococcal disease spread?
According to VDH, it takes "close or lengthy contact" to spread the bacteria which is transmitted from person to person through kissing, coughing or sneezing directly into the face of others, or sharing drinks and food utensils.
Meningococcal disease symptoms
Symptoms can first appear flu-like and may soon become more severe, the agency wrote in the release. The disease can be treated with antibiotics, but the health department said quick medical attention is important.
Seek care if you or someone you know experiences the following symptoms: fever, chills, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, a rash and sensitivity to light.
Tips to potentially avoid meningococcal disease:
Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best protection against the disease, according to the CDC.
The VDH also recommends:
- Not sharing personal items including cigarettes, lipsticks or toothbrushes;
- Frequently washing your hands;
- Avoiding contact with those who are sick or infected.
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Vaccination is key
Virginia health officials said medical experts have not identified a common risk factor for the recent outbreak but "genetic sequencing of available specimens" has confirmed the cases are "highly genetically related."
Most case-patients are Black adults between 30 and 60 years old, the VDH reported, and 26 or the 27 case-patients were not vaccinated for Neisseria meningitidis type Y.
Both the CDC and VDH are encouraging parents to make sure children receive the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) at age 11 or 12 and a follow-up booster at age 15 or 16.
People at increased risk for meningococcal disease including those living with HIV, those whose spleen is damaged or removed, people with sickle cell disease and people with other rare immune conditions, health officals said. Those at a high risk for contracting the disease should talk to their doctor to make sure they are up to date on the vaccine.
For more information about the MenACWY vaccine contact your local health department or health provider.