Virginia reports meningococcal disease outbreak linked to Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y

A meningococcal disease outbreak in Virginia has been linked to Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y, sequence type 1466. The outbreak began in August 2022, with cases rising significantly compared to the previous decade's average of eight cases per year statewide. As of March 2024, there have been 36 confirmed and one probable case across four health planning regions. Most patients were non-Hispanic Black or African American, with a median age of 47. The outbreak has resulted in seven deaths, with a case fatality rate of 19.4%. The outbreak's case definition was adjusted in August 2023 to include cases outside the Eastern Region. All identified isolates were sensitive to ciprofloxacin and penicillin, differing from some resistant strains seen elsewhere.