Advisory issued after increase in meningococcal disease cases: State health officials

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of State Health Services issued a health advisory in regards to an increase in meningococcal disease cases.

According to DSHS, there has been an increase in invasive meningococcal diseases since November 2023. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that officials are responding to a statewide outbreak in Virginia.

Meningococcal disease is a serious illness caused by the bacterium N. meningitidis, which can spread from person to person through saliva or spit, DSHS stated. The bacteria can cause meningitis, which is an infection and inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

The department adds that bacteria are not spread by "casual contact," or by breathing the air where an infected person has been.

DSHS recommends routine hand washing, and covering your mouth while sneezing or coughing to prevent the spread of bacteria. Additionally, DSHS urges the public to immediately report any suspected invasive meningococcal disease cases to a local health department.

The symptoms include fever, headache, nausea or vomiting, sensitivity to light, rash, mental confusion and muscle or joint pain.

"Because of the risks of severe morbidity and death, effective antibiotics should be administered promptly to patients suspected of having meningococcal disease," DSHS stated.

The Virginia Department of Health has reported six deaths attributed to the disease since June 2022, along with 32 confirmed cases.