Meningitis cases rise in major Midwestern city, prompting public health alert

Chicago wellness officials are informing residents to beryllium alert for symptoms of meningococcal illness aft respective caller infections were reported successful adults crossed the city.

Seven cases of Neisseria meningitidis infections person been identified since mid-January, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health.

Two radical person died arsenic a effect of the infection, the section said.

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Health officials person traced adjacent contacts for each confirmed cases and provided preventive antibiotics to those who whitethorn person been exposed.

Meningococcal illness is caused by Neisseria meningitidis, a benignant of bacteria that tin infect the bloodstream oregon the lining of the encephalon and spinal cord, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Chicago wellness officials are informing residents to ticker for symptoms of meningococcal illness aft 7 infections were reported successful the state. (iStock)

Transmission occurs done saliva and mucus during adjacent oregon prolonged contact, specified arsenic sharing drinks, kissing, oregon being exposed to coughs and sneezes.

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While cases stay comparatively rare, meningococcal illness continues to airs a superior nationalist wellness hazard nationwide. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 503 confirmed and probable cases successful the U.S. successful 2024, based connected preliminary data.

Infection is passed from idiosyncratic to idiosyncratic done saliva and mucus, usually during prolonged adjacent contact. (iStock)

Symptoms of meningococcal illness tin see fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, sensitivity to light, a stiff neck, and a tegument rash that whitethorn look arsenic acheronian spots oregon bruising, per Cleveland Clinic.

Other signs whitethorn see confusion, irritability, trouble walking, associated oregon musculus pain, and nonaccomplishment of appetite.

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"Chicago sees up to 10 to 15 meningococcal infections each year, typically concentrated astir the wintertime months," the section noted.

The illness astir often affects seniors arsenic good arsenic adolescents and young adults, Chicago wellness officials said.

Symptoms tin scope from fever and headache to vomiting, diarrhea, and a rash that appears acheronian oregon bruised, Cleveland Clinic noted. (iStock)

To trim risk, authorities guidelines urge getting the meningococcal vaccine opening astatine ages 11 oregon 12, with a booster dose astatine 16.

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Meningococcal illness is treated with antibiotics, and doctors often statesman contiguous attraction if the unwellness is suspected due to the fact that it tin advancement rapidly, Cleveland Clinic stated.

Patients with terrible cases whitethorn besides request further treatments specified arsenic IV fluids, oxygen, humor unit medications, oregon country to dainty damaged tissue.

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Anyone who develops symptoms oregon believes they whitethorn person been exposed is urged to question aesculapian attraction promptly. Health experts accent that aboriginal attraction is critical.