Increase in bacterial illnesses can lead to meningitis, death

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued an emergency alert about an increase in cases of a type of invasive meningococcal disease, most of it due to a specific strain of bacteria known as Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y.

In 2023, 422 cases of it were reported in the U.S. — the most in a year since 2014. Already, 143 cases have been reported in 2024.

Most of the cases last year did not involve meningitis, though at least 17 people died. The cases last year were detected in 20 states.

Read more: CDC

The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.