Virginia Health Department announces meningococcal outbreak

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — The Virginia Department of Health said there is an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Virginia.

In a news release from VDH on Wednesday, there are three times the expected number of cases since June 2022.

"Twenty-seven cases of meningococcal disease, caused by the bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis type Y, have been reported in Eastern, Central, and Southwest Virginia since June 2022," the department said.

The bacteria can create infections in the brain, spinal cord, and bloodstream, Centra Health Chief Medical Officer Ceaser Gonzales said.

Symptoms can include a fever, headache, neck stiffness, light sensitivity and a rash on your chest, Gonzales said.

"If you were to get these symptoms, you would want to seek medical attention immediately because it's so dangerous and it's life-threatening," Gonzales said.

However,Gonzales said even with the increase in cases, it is still rare to get the disease.

VDH recommendations to stay safe:

• Don’t share personal items.
• Practice good hand hygiene.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Do not delay seeking care if you experience symptoms of meningococcal disease.
• Ensure adolescents and teenagers receive the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) on schedule at 11 or 12 years of age and then a booster dose at 15-16 years of age.
• Speak to your healthcare provider if you are at increased risk for meningococcal disease to ensure you are up to date on the MenACWY vaccine.

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