The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a new health alert that these infections, which are caused by a certain strain of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, may present with unusual symptoms. In the cases identified so far this year, about 1 in 6 people have died.
These cases are also unusual because they are striking middle-aged adults. Typically, meningitis infections affect babies or adolescents and young adults.
The CDC’s alert comes after the Virginia Department of Health warned about five deaths from the same rare, serious form of meningococcal disease in September.
Faculty experts at the George Washington University are available to offer insight about this bacterial infection and what people should know. To schedule an interview with an expert, please contact Katelyn Deckelbaum at [email protected].
Jose Lucar is an associate professor of infectious diseases at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Maria Elena Ruiz is an associate professor of medicine and an infectious disease expert at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Emily Smith, is an associate professor of global health and an expert in infectious diseases and epidemiology, at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health.
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