As of late March 2024, health officials in the US have recorded 143 cases of meningococcal disease, 101 of them caused by a strain of the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis known as sequence type (ST) 1466. The total number of cases of the disease represents a more than 75% increase over those reported at the same time last year, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) .
Usually, people with meningococcal disease experience meningitis, which includes such symptoms as fever, headaches, nausea, and confusion. But in 2023, the majority of people (64%) with meningococcal disease caused by ST-1466 presented with symptoms of a bloodstream infection, such as fever, body aches, tiredness, and vomiting.
In 2023, African American or Black people were disproportionately affected by meningococcal disease caused by ST-1466, as were people aged 30 to 60 years and those living with HIV. In addition, almost one-fifth of people with known outcomes died from the disease in 2023—higher than the 11% case fatality rate between 2017 and 2021.
Because of the increase in cases, the CDC encouraged clinicians to be aware of the condition, especially in vulnerable groups, and recognize that patients might not have typical symptoms of meningitis. The agency also recommended that people stay up to date on their meningococcal vaccines.
Published Online: April 26, 2024. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.6714