CDC alerts doctors to watch for rare bacterial infection that's killing one in ... trends now
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Health officials have warned doctors to be on the lookout for a rare bacterial infection that kills one in six sufferers.
The CDC issued an alert Thursday to doctors about increased cases of a form a type of meningitis-causing strain that is rising rapidly in the US.
The agency found that there have already been 143 infections caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis subgroup Y ST-1466 - 80 percent more than this time last year.
This form is different than more common types, which usually causes stiff neck and high fever and kills one in 10 people.
The CDC issued an alert Thursday to doctors about increased cases of a form of invasive meningococcal disease, which is caused a strain of the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis known as ST-1466
Last year, 422 illnesses from Neisseria meningitidis were reported in the US, the highest since 2014. And in 2024 alone, 143 cases have been identified - 80 percent more than this time last year
Instead, this rapidly increasing strain leads to blood infections and stiff joints, which doctors have been warned to watch out for.
Neisseria meningitidis can be
