Surge in rare bacterial disease in the US worrying health experts

An increase in the number of cases of a bacterial disease has worried health experts in the US. A total of 143 cases of the disease have been reported so far.

The disease, caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis commonly affects the brain, spinal cord and bloodstream.

Meningococcal disease as it is referred to is a serious bacterial infection that affects people aged 30–60 years, African American people, and people with HIV, the US CDC has warned.

In this disease, the meninges, or the membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord is infected. The bacterium can multiply aggressively and lead to septicemia.

Four of the six meningococcal bacteria groups - A, B, C, W, X, and Y - circulate in the United States, according to the CDC, with vaccines available against all except the X group. 

The US CDC has also warned that patients may present with bloodstream or joint infection and without symptoms typical of meningitis, which include fever, headache, and stiff neck. 

In 2023, 422 confirmed and probable meningococcal disease cases were reported in the US, which is the largest number of U.S. meningococcal disease cases reported since 2014.

The most common symptoms of the disease are fever, headache and stiffneck. 

These signs are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, photophobia or sensitivity of the eyes to light, and altered mental status.

The bacteria is spread from an unhealthy individual to a healthy individual through saliva or spit. Physical contact through coughing or kissing helps spread the disease.

As per a review study, published in 2021, In India, Neisseria meningitidis is the third most common cause of acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) in children <5 years, and accounts for an estimated 1.9% of all ABM cases regardless of age. 

The disease remains endemic in India, with major outbreaks reported in Delhi (2005-08), Meghalaya (2008-09), and Tripura (2009) over the last 25 years.

Twelve serotypes of N. meningitidis have been identified, of which, 6 (A, B, C, W, X, and Y) have been associated with disease outbreak, the review study of publications on meningococcal disease in India between 1996 and 2020 found.

The best way to prevent the disease is to get vaccinated. Close contacts of a person with meningococcal disease should receive antibiotics to prevent them from getting sick, US CDC suggests.