"Statewide Meningococcal Disease Outbreak Hits Virginia"

Virginia is currently experiencing an outbreak of rare but serious meningococcal disease, with 27 cases identified since June 2022, three times higher than expected. Five deaths have been reported, and most of the patients are Black or African American adults between ages 30 and 60. The majority of patients were not vaccinated against the disease. The bacteria responsible for the outbreak share common genetic sequencing, but no common risk factor has been identified. The infections have been reported in various regions of Virginia, but the risk to the general public is considered low. Health officials recommend practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with sick individuals, and seeking immediate care if experiencing symptoms. Vaccination is also advised, particularly for teenagers.