Virginia state health officials are reporting an outbreak of meningococcal disease. Since June 2022, a total of 27 cases of meningococcal disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitides, type Y, have been reported in adults aged 30 to 65 years. 5 patients have died. A total of 26 patients were not vaccinated. The strain associated with this outbreak is known to be common in the United States.
This is a reminder that exchange students and individuals at risk for meningococcal disease should refresh their meningococcal meningitis vaccination.