Twentyseven cases of the disease caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis type Y have been reported in eastern central and southwest Virginia since June . The strain associated with this outbreak is known to be circulating more widely in the United States . Most casepatients are Black or African American adults between to years of age according to the Virginia Health Department . Most of the cases are in residents of eastern Virginia where a regional outbreak was first announced in September . The infection can lead to both meningitis and a serious infection of the bloodstream called septicemia or blood poisoning . Symptoms can mimic the flu or Covid and include a headache fever fever nausea or vomiting brain fog sensitivity to light sleepiness or trouble waking a stiff neck and possibly a skin rash . The CDC advises keeping up to date on vaccines as a key step in preventing bacterial and viral meningococcal disease . The Virginia Department of Health also recommends the following measures to prevent the spread while the outbreak continues . Dont share personal items e.g. vapes lipsticks toothbrushes. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Do not delay seeking care if you experience symptoms of menedococcal Disease. Symptoms can . include a head ache and vomiting brain Fog sensitivity to . sleepiness . or . vomiting brainfrizing or vomiting . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC advise keeping up on vaccines to be a healthy person with a healthy body. Do Not delay seeking a healthy shoulder. AvoidClose contact with others who are infected. Avoidclose contact with anyone who is sick. Avoid contact with someone who are ill. The symptoms of an infected person with an individual with an adult with an alcoholic stomach or a stomach or an alcoholic body .
Five deaths in Virginia connected to statewide meningococcal disease outbreak . Meningococ
