Why are bacterial meningitis cases rising according to the CDC?

Cases are rising due to mutating bacteria and declining vaccination rates among teens.

What is the CDC's new recommendation for the meningitis vaccine?

The CDC now recommends the meningitis vaccine mainly for high-risk groups, not all adolescents.

How dangerous is bacterial meningitis?

Bacterial meningitis is extremely dangerous, potentially fatal within 24 hours, and can cause lifelong disabilities in survivors.

Home / Health / Rare Bacterial Meningitis Cases Surge as Teen Vaccinations Drop

Rare Bacterial Meningitis Cases Surge as Teen Vaccinations Drop

11 Jan

•

Summary

Meningitis cases rose sharply since 2021 after a 90% drop post-2005 vaccination.
CDC's new guidance recommends meningitis vaccine only for high-risk groups.
Bacterial meningitis can be fatal within 24 hours, leaving survivors with lifelong disabilities.

Rare Bacterial Meningitis Cases Surge as Teen Vaccinations Drop

Cases of bacterial meningitis have sharply increased in the United States since 2021, a concerning trend following a significant decline after a CDC recommendation in 2005. Doctors attribute this resurgence to mutating bacteria and a drop in adolescent vaccination rates, particularly for booster doses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) revised guidance now suggests the meningitis vaccine primarily for "high-risk groups," a departure from its previous universal recommendation for all adolescents.

This potentially fatal infection, caused by Neisseria meningitidis, can progress with alarming speed, leading to severe outcomes like brain swelling, gangrene, and sepsis, with fatalities possible within 24 hours. Even with prompt treatment, about 15% of patients die, and up to 20% of survivors endure lifelong complications such as amputated limbs or hearing impairment. Teenagers and college-aged adults are considered particularly vulnerable due to close living quarters.