There’s a warning of an increase in rare bacterial illnesses that can lead to meningitis, and even death, around the country.
In New York City, there were:
- 15 cases in 2021
- 19 in 2022
- 28 in 2023
- 11 so far in 2024
The New York City Department of Health issued an advisory to doctors following one from the CDC warning of an increase in cases of “invasive meningococcal disease,” a serious bacterial infection which can cause meningitis.
“It’s not a cause for widespread concern, but the Health Department’s on it. We’re investigating every case,” New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan said.
There have been a total of 73 cases in New York City since 2021, with an increase each year. So far in 2024, there have been 11 reported cases. The majority of those cases are in minorities, according to the Department of Health. Many are between 30-65 years old.