The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health alert regarding a rare bacterial infection that can quickly become fatal. The invasive meningococcal disease, caused by the microbe Neisseria meningitidis, can attack the brain, spinal cord, and bloodstream, posing a serious threat to public health.

Meningitis, a viral bacteria, can manifest symptoms such as headache, fever, and a stiff neck. In severe cases, it can lead to a bloodstream infection known as septicemia or blood poisoning, characterized by symptoms like fever, chills, fatigue, vomiting, cold hands and feet, rapid breathing, diarrhea, and in rare instances, a dark purple rash.

The bacteria can be carried in a person’s nose and throat without causing illness, but individuals with weakened immune systems, such as infants and those with HIV, are more susceptible to infection. The transmission of the bacteria occurs through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions, often via activities like kissing, coughing, sneezing, or living in close contact with infected individuals.

The CDC has identified four different groups of meningococcal bacteria circulating in the United States: B, C, W, and Y. The Y bacterial group has been reported to be spreading across the nation, with the CDC reporting at least 143 cases as of March 25, 2024, marking an increase from the 81 cases reported on the same date in 2023. Last year, a total of 422 cases were reported, the highest number since 2014. Shockingly, the fatality rate in the cases identified this year stands at about 1 in 6 people, higher than the typical rate observed by the CDC for meningococcal infections.

Given the severity of the situation, the CDC recommends two vaccines to combat the infection. It is crucial for the public to stay informed about this health alert and to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their communities from this emerging threat.