CNN
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The Virginia Department of Health announced that five people have died from complications of a “rare but serious disease” in Virginia following an outbreak of meningococcal disease across the state.
Since June 2022, 27 cases of the disease, caused by meningococcus Y, have been reported in eastern, central and southwestern Virginia. According to the department.
Most of the patients are black or African American adults between the ages of 30 and 60, according to the Virginia Department of Health. Of the 27 reported cases, only one had received meningococcal Y vaccination.
“This development is three times the number of infections expected during this period,” the ministry said in a news release Wednesday.
The strain associated with this outbreak is known to be more widespread in the United States, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
Most of the cases were in eastern Virginia, where there was a regional outbreak. First announced in September 2022, according to the release.The latest alert reported 3 deaths and 12 infections. From the Department in March 2023; before Wednesday’s notice.
What is meningococcal disease and how does it spread?
Meningococcal disease refers to the disease caused by meningococcal bacteria, CNN previously reported. Infection can cause both meningitis and a serious bloodstream infection called sepsis or sepsis.
The bacteria can be spread from person to person through exchange of respiratory and throat secretions, usually by kissing, coughing, sneezing, or close contact with another person who is infected.
Symptoms can be similar to the flu or COVID-19 and include headache, fever, nausea or vomiting, foggy head, sensitivity to light, drowsiness or difficulty waking up, stiff neck, and possibly a skin rash. and so on.
Medical experts say anyone experiencing related symptoms should seek immediate treatment.
“Doctors treat bacterial meningitis with many antibiotics. It’s important to start treatment as soon as possible.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Meningococcal prevention and safety
CDC recommends storing Latest information on vaccines As an important step to prevent bacterial and viral meningitis.
The Virginia Department of Health also recommends the following measures to prevent the spread of infection during the outbreak:
- Do not share personal items (e-cigarettes, lipstick, toothbrushes, etc.).
- Practice good hand hygiene.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- If you have experienced it, don’t delay getting treatment Symptoms of meningococcal disease.
- Adolescents and teens should receive meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) on schedule at age 11 or 12 and then receive a booster shot at age 15 to 16.
- Talk to your health care provider if: Increased risk of meningococcal disease Make sure you have the latest information about the MenACWY vaccine.