Bacterial meningitis in childhood can lead to permanent neurologic impairment.
A total of 438 confirmed and probable cases of meningococcal disease were reported in 2023, the most US cases since 2013.
A modeling study estimates the MenACWY vaccine prevented 500 cases of invasive meningococcal disease in US adolescents from 2005 to 2021.
All patients required hospitalization, and 7 died from complications.
The advisory from the New York State Department of Health was prompted by a rise in ciprofloxacin-resistant strains of Neisseria meningitidis.
Vaccines may be the best option to combat the increasing incidence of gonorrhea, including drug-resistant forms.
Gavi's expanded vaccine portfolio fits its goal of ensuring that lower-income countries have access to key vaccines as soon as possible.
The CDC's alerts detail recent travel-related cases and urge vaccination for those traveling to Saudi Arabia for the upcoming Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages.
Nearly all cases are in patients who performed the Umrah pilgrimage while in Saudi Arabia, and most infections are due to serogroup W.
Most of the cases involve the ST 1466 strain, which is disproportionately affecting adults ages 30 to 60, Black or African American people, and those with HIV.
