United States: Four adults and three children got sick with meningococcal disease, which can cause meningitis – inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, between November and February in Houston. However, the officials have outlined that the other news is that all seven (7) people are getting better, and none of them have died of the infection.
According to the reports shared by the health officials, the health department checked but didn’t find a direct link between the cases.
Last month, the Texas Department of State Health Services warned that meningococcal disease has been spreading across the state since November, according to reports by the Houston Chronicle.
Out of 27 people infected during this time, 10 got meningitis, and unfortunately, one person who wasn’t vaccinated passed away. Health experts are advising everyone to keep their vaccinations up to date, especially with more cases of measles popping up in different parts of the country. Stay safe and protected!
How was the recent situation addressed by the health expert?
The Spokesman of Houston Health Department – Porfirio Villarreal addressed the situation and mentioned, “We recommend parents check with their family doctor or medical home if their children have all the recommended immunizations,” adding “It’s always a good idea for parents to ask if their children are missing any shots during all medical appointments — no matter the reason for the health care visit.”
Situation of disease in Texas!
The cases linked to the disease reached to around 13 to 17 cases from 2020 and 2022 in Texas. The cases showed a steep decrease in the number of cases from the year 2001. However, 2023 witnessed a sudden increase in the cases as the state officials reported around 31 cases.
According to Texas health officials, the increase has been seen since November, increasing the risk of meningococcal disease. In addition to this, the health officials have mentioned that the other US states have also been witnessing an increase in the cases.
While addressing the same, the health official of the chief of infectious disease at Memorial Hermann and UTHealth Houston – Dr Luis Ostrosky stated, “Normally, there are sporadic cases here and there, like at hospitals,” adding, “But where it is a big deal is in congregate settings where people spend a lot of time together, sharing food and air, like in colleges, prisons and schools,” according to the reports published by Houston Chronicle.
The reports have mentioned that in Houston, there were cases of a disease, but they didn’t happen in places considered high-risk, like day-cares or shelters. The patients got treatment with antibiotics, and thankfully, none of the people close to them got sick. State-level tests showed that the cases weren’t really connected.
However, health experts are still saying we should be careful. In Texas, seventh graders are supposed to get a vaccine to protect against this disease, but not many students have been getting it in recent years. Last year, only about 92.9 percent of seventh graders got the vaccine, and around 2 percent did not get it for nonmedical reasons. This disease is more common in babies, teenagers, and young adults. It’s important to take precautions and get vaccinated.
However, public health policy advocates have reported that data concerning vaccine coverage has been provided. Since 2020, vaccine coverage in Texas has decreased, with an increase in nonmedical exemption rates.