Meningococcal disease on the rise in the US

A rise in invasive serogroup Y meningococcal disease has prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue a health advisory for health care providers.

“Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis. About 1 in 10 people are natural carriers of the bacteria, and it can spread to others by sharing respiratory secretions,” says Dr. Matthew Binnicker, director of the Clinical Virology Laboratory at Mayo Clinic.

Serogroups B, C and Y cause most diseases in the U.S., with much of the recent rise in infection driven by serogroup Y. Anyone can become infected with the bacteria; however, young children, teenagers, people over 65, and anyone with HIV or immune deficiencies tend to have the highest rates of meningococcal disease.

Binnicker says not everyone who becomes infected will develop meningitis, but for those who do, it can be severe. He says it’s important that the public is aware of the disease and how to avoid serious illness.

“There are preventive steps in terms of meningococcal vaccines that are available that can help prevent the incidence of disease,” says Binnicker. He says it is important that people are current on their vaccinations.

The CDC recommends all 11- to 12-year-olds get vaccinated with a booster dose at age 16. A meningococcal conjugate vaccine booster is also recommended for those at high risk of infection. Talk with your healthcare team to find out if you and your family are up to date on vaccinations.