New Neisseria meningitidis Findings from Virginia Department of Health Reported (Statewide Outbreak Of Neisseria Meningitidis Serogroup Y, Sequence Type 1466-virginia, 2022-2024).

A recent study published in Vaccine Weekly discusses the findings of a statewide outbreak of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y in Virginia from 2022 to 2024. The outbreak resulted in 36 genetically related cases, including seven deaths, with a majority of patients not typically at increased risk for invasive meningococcal disease. The Virginia Department of Health recommended selective vaccination of close contacts due to the lack of a well-defined population at risk. This research highlights the need for novel control strategies in managing outbreaks of infectious diseases. [Extracted from the article]