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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a stark warning regarding the alarming surge in bacterial meningitis cases across the United States.

According to the CDC, incidences of meningococcal disease, predominantly linked to the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis, have escalated to 422 cases last year, marking the highest annual tally since 2014.

As of March 25 this year, the CDC has already recorded 143 cases, signaling a worrying spike compared to the corresponding period last year, which saw 62 fewer cases reported.

The predominant strain, identified as serogroup Y ST-1466, mostly targets adults aged between 30 and 60, with a concerning fatality rate of 18%, surpassing the previous average of 11% between 2017 and 2021,  Fox News reported.

Additionally, the strain disproportionately affects Black or African American individuals (63%) and people living with HIV (15%).

Dr. Barbara Bawer, a primary care physician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, expressed concern over the sudden surge and noted the strain's higher fatality rate than previous variants.

Meningococcal disease commonly manifests symptoms of meningitis, including fever, stiff neck, headache, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, or altered mental status. In severe cases, it can lead to meningococcal bloodstream infection, characterized by fever, chills, vomiting, fatigue, cold extremities, severe aches and a dark purple rash.

Transmission primarily occurs through close contact, such as coughing, kissing, or prolonged exposure to infected individuals. Timely diagnosis and antibiotic administration are needed because the disease can rapidly progress and become life-threatening.

To mitigate the risk of infection, the CDC recommended vaccination, particularly with MenACWY and MenB vaccines, and advised everyone to avoid crowded environments. 

Bawer also noted that vaccination compliance and prompt antibiotic treatment for those exposed to infected individuals are very much needed now, considering the alarming spike. 

Additionally, public health officials are campaigning for heightened vigilance and adherence to preventive measures to curb the spread of bacterial meningitis across communities nationwide.