NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials are warning of an increase in rare bacterial illnesses than can lead to meningitis and possible death.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an alert to U.S. doctors on Thursday about an increase in cases of one type of invasive meningococcal disease, most of it due to a specific strain of bacteria.
Last year, 422 cases of it were reported in the U.S. — the most in a year since 2014. Already, 143 cases have been reported this year, meaning infections appear to be on track to surpass 2023, the CDC said. Most of the cases last year did not involve meningitis, though at least 17 died. The cases were disproportionately more common in adults ages 30 to 60, in Black people and in people who have HIV, the CDC said.
The bacteria can cause a dangerous brain and spinal cord inflammation called meningitis, with symptoms that may include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting. The bacteria also can cause a bloodstream infection with symptoms like chills, fatigue, cold hands and feet, rapid breathing, diarrhea, or, in later stages, a dark purple rash.
Kristin Cavallari, 37, ignores critics of her age
China speeds up digital transformation of manufacturing sector
Tiger Woods is still deciding whether he has time to be Ryder Cup captain
China to initiate issuance of ultra
Israeli army says it kills over 130 militants in E. Rafah
Mexican citizens were traveling to work at a Florida farm when a pickup hit their bus, killing 8
Serena Williams to host 2024 ESPYs in July
China's tech giant Huawei hosts cloud database summit in Thailand
Minnesota Uber and Lyft driver pay package beats deadline to win approval in Legislature
11 people die in shootings in small town in southern Mexico state of Chiapas, prosecutors say