Since September 2022, the Virginia Department of Health has been investigating a statewide outbreak of meningococcal disease caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y. As of October 12, there have been 29 confirmed cases associated with this outbreak, including one Fairfax Health District resident.

Meningococcal disease is a rare bacterial illness that is spread through close contact. These illnesses are often severe, can be deadly, and include infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and of the bloodstream. Symptoms of meningitis include fever, stiff neck and light sensitivity, and symptoms of bloodstream infection include fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. A red, purple, or dark colored rash also may occur. Do not delay seeking care if you experience symptoms of meningococcal disease.

While the risk to the public is very low, the Fairfax County Health Department encourages individuals who are at increased risk of meningococcal disease to check their vaccination records to make sure their MenACWY vaccinations are up-to-date. People at increased risk include:

• People with HIV infection.
• Anyone whose spleen is damaged or removed, including people with sickle cell disease.
• Anyone with an immune condition called "complement deficiency" or anyone taking a type of drug called a "complement inhibitor" (for example, Soliris® or Ultomiris®).

For persons at increased risk, the vaccination schedule includes 2 doses of MenACWY vaccine administered 8 weeks apart and regular booster doses every 5 years. Additionally, the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) is a routine, school-required vaccine. All preteens and teens should get 2 doses of the MenACWY vaccine with the first dose being given at 11-12 years old. The second dose should be given at 16 years to continue having protection during the years when they are at greatest risk for getting meningococcal disease (16-23 years of age). Talk to your health care provider if you have questions about getting the MenACWY vaccine.

If you are a Fairfax County resident, are at increased risk for meningococcal disease, and are unable to be vaccinated by your health care provider, contact the Fairfax County Health Department at 703-246-7100 to schedule a vaccination appointment.

Get more information about meningococcal disease, including how it spreads and its symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also has information about this outbreak.