Rising meningitis in USA and Mexico: insights from the fatal outbreak

Abstract

Meningitis, an inflammatory disease affecting the meningeal layers of the brain and the spinal cord, poses a significant public health concern globally. Most meningitis cases are caused by viral infections, bacterial infections being the second most common cause, while fungal or parasitic infections are deemed rare. Despite the decrease in bacterial meningitis because of vaccination and treatment, a recent meningitis outbreak in the United States and Mexico highlighted ongoing challenges. The current meningitis outbreak is caused by a pathogenic fungus and is associated with surgical procedures performed under spinal anaesthesia as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the 11 May of 2023. Around 20 cases with clinical suspicion of meningitis, including two fatalities, have been attributed to this rampant outbreak. Timely diagnosis, utilising diagnostic modalities such as lumbar puncture and pathogen detection methods, is crucial for appropriate management. Iatrogenic meningitis must be avoided by enhancing surveillance, infection control procedures, and adherence to aseptic practices. To lessen the effects of meningitis and enhance patient outcomes, the WHO’s roadmap and preventive interventions, such as targeted immunisations, are essential.