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Neisseria Meningitidis

All articles tagged with #neisseria meningitidis

health1 month ago•4 min saved

College microbiology class faces mass antibiotic scare after misidentified germ

A college microbiology lab exercise led students to misidentify a harmless bacterium as Neisseria meningitidis, triggering post-exposure antibiotics for 33 people after a freezer mix-up; later tests confirmed the germ was nonpathogenic Neisseria sicca, prompting an overhaul of inventory, labeling, and handling protocols to prevent future mix-ups. Two students even underwent lumbar punctures during the scare, but no meningococcal infection occurred.

via Ars Technica|

#health #lab-safety #misidentification

health7 months ago•21 min saved

Two Die in Chicago Meningococcal Cluster, Health Officials Warn

Two people in Chicago have died in a cluster of meningococcal infections (Neisseria meningitidis), with seven cases reported since Jan. 15; Chicago typically sees 10-15 such infections in winter. The disease spreads through saliva and requires close, lengthy contact, and symptoms can resemble a common illness before worsening rapidly. Officials urge immediate medical care if symptoms appear (stiff neck, sensitivity to light, severe aches, vomiting, or a dark rash). Illinois recommends MenACWY vaccination at ages 11-12 with a booster at 16.

via Patch|

#chicago #health #meningococcal-disease

health2 years ago•1 min saved

CDC Warns of Rising Cases of Meningococcal Disease

The CDC has issued an alert to healthcare providers about a rise in bacterial infections, specifically a strain of meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y, which has seen 140 reported cases in 2024 targeting adults aged 30 to 60. Those at higher risk include Black and African Americans or individuals with HIV. Symptoms of the disease include meningitis and bloodstream infection, with Virginia currently experiencing a statewide outbreak. Awareness of symptoms and prompt medical attention are crucial in addressing this concerning trend.

via Yahoo News|

#bacterial-infections #cdc #health

health2 years ago•1 min saved

CDC Alerts Doctors to Surge in Meningitis-Causing Bacterial Infections

The CDC has issued an alert about a rise in bacterial infections, specifically a strain of meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y, which has targeted adults aged 30 to 60 and is particularly affecting Black or African Americans and those with HIV. There are two types of infections stemming from this disease: meningitis and septicemia, each with distinct symptoms. The state of Virginia is currently dealing with a statewide outbreak, with 35 confirmed cases and 6 deaths. It's important to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary.

via USA TODAY|

#bacterial-infection #cdc #health

health2 years ago•1 min saved

CDC Issues Warning as Cases of Meningitis-Causing Bacteria Increase

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.) has issued a warning about the resurgence of invasive meningococcal disease, caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacterium, with 143 cases reported so far this year in the United States. The illness, which has a fatality rate of 10 to 15 percent even with treatment, has seen an increase in prevalence, particularly among Black people and adults aged 30 to 60. The outbreaks have been linked to an unusual strain of N. meningitidis called ST-1466, and those at risk include individuals with certain medical conditions such as H.I.V. and those who have not received the recommended meningitis vaccine.

via The New York Times|

#cdc #health #meningitis

health2 years ago•2 min saved

"Unusual Symptoms Prompt CDC Alert for Rare Bacterial Infection"

The CDC has issued a health alert regarding a rise in rare, serious meningococcal infections caused by a certain strain of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, which are presenting with unusual symptoms and affecting middle-aged adults, with a higher fatality rate than typical meningococcal infections. The infections can lead to meningitis and septicemia, and are primarily affecting adults aged 30 to 60, with a disproportionate number of cases among Black people and those with HIV. Symptoms may not follow the typical pattern, making diagnosis challenging, and immediate antibiotic treatment is critical. The CDC recommends vaccination for children and vulnerable groups to protect against bacterial meningitis.

via CNN|

#cdc #health #meningococcal-infection

health3 years ago•1 min saved

Meningococcal Disease Outbreak Strikes Southwest Virginia

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has reported a statewide outbreak of meningococcal disease, with 27 cases and five deaths since June 2022. The disease, caused by Neisseria meningitidis type Y bacteria, presents flu-like symptoms that can quickly become severe. It is spread through respiratory exchange and throat secretions, including kissing and sharing personal items. The VDH advises practicing good hygiene, avoiding contact with sick individuals, and seeking immediate care if symptoms arise. Vaccination is recommended, as 26 of the 27 cases were not vaccinated.

via WJHL-TV News Channel 11|

#health #meningococcal-disease #neisseria-meningitidis

health3 years ago•2 min saved

Meningococcal Disease on the Rise Among HIV Patients in US: CDC

Patients with HIV in the United States saw a significant increase in rare, deadly meningococcal infections last year, with nearly 10% of all cases being among people with HIV, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis and can lead to meningitis, which is an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. The CDC recommends that people at risk for meningococcal disease, including patients with HIV, receive a two-dose series of the MenACWY vaccine, but vaccination rates among patients with HIV are low.

via ABC News|

#cdc #health #hiv