Rare but Deadly: Chicago Health Officials Warn of Meningococcal Disease Surge and Encourage Vaccination

Chicago public health officials are raising concerns about a surge in cases of meningococcal disease, a rare but serious bacterial infection that affects the brain, spinal cord, and bloodstream, and can be fatal. One form of this disease is meningitis.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in meningococcal disease cases across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 12 cases of meningococcal disease reported in Illinois since 2023, following seven cases in 2023. This is significantly higher than the one to three cases per year reported between 2017 and 2022. Of the 15 cases identified between 2023 and 2024, nine were between the ages of 30 and 60, and eight were Black, non-Hispanic individuals.

Public health officials are urging everyone to be familiar with the symptoms of meningococcal disease, which can vary depending on the type of infection. Symptoms of meningitis may include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or altered mental status. Symptoms of meningococcal bloodstream infection may include fever and chills, fatigue, vomiting, aches and pains, rapid breathing or diarrhea in later stages. It is important to seek medical attention if any of these symptoms are observed.

To protect against meningococcal disease