U.S. health officials are ringing the alarm about a surge in cases of a rare but potentially deadly bacterial infection that can lead to meningitis and death, particularly in a demographic not usually at high risk. According to a health alert from the CDC, cited by ABC7 Chicago, there has been a notable increase in cases of serious meningococcal infections, with a strain of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria causing atypical presentations of disease. Particularly alarming is the higher fatality rate observed, with about one in six affected individuals succumbing to the infection.

These rare infections, having claimed the lives of five individuals in Virginia last September as reported by the Virginia Department of Health, are now appearing with unusual symptoms. FOX13 Memphis highlighted the concern of local physicians, with Dr. Steve Threlkeld, an infectious disease expert at Baptist Memorial Healthcare in Memphis, stating, "It’s always been a very severe infection. 10 to 20 percent of people that get this infection die." The unusual rise in cases among middle-aged adults is causing particular concern among health professionals who typically expect to see this infection in babies or young adults.

Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, the culprit behind this surge, can cause both meningitis and septicemia, a serious bloodstream infection, and are known to spread through close contact, including respiratory and throat secretions. What makes the current rise in infections noteworthy is that most cases have been observed in adults between 30 and 60 years of age, with about 63% of them affecting Black individuals and 15% occurring in people with HIV, according to data from the 9News report.

The CDC's concern is not without reason. There have already been 143 cases reported in the U.S. this year, a steep increase from the same time last year. With symptoms including fever, chills, fatigue, and sometimes a dark purple rash, the CDC urges immediate antibiotic treatment, as these infections can turn life-threatening within hours. ABC7 Chicago also notes that a vaccine is available and recommended for certain groups, with regular boosters to maintain protection.