Chicago faces meningococcal outbreak as two die and cases rise

The Chicago Department of Public Health warned of an uptick in meningococcal disease after seven adult cases since Jan. 15, including two deaths and at least two cases linked to a homeless shelter. Chicago typically records 10–15 cases annually. Meningococcal infection can spread through saliva and may lead to sepsis, hearing loss, or limb loss, with a 10–15% mortality rate even with treatment. Officials stress vigilance and vaccination, noting concerns about recent CDC changes to the childhood vaccine schedule that could hinder herd protection in communities vulnerable to outbreaks.