Meningitis (Bacterial)

38 cases in 2024 — near the 5-year baseline of ~445.

What is it?

Bacterial meningitis is inflammation of the meninges caused by bacteria — most commonly Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Listeria monocytogenes, and group B Streptococcus. NYS had 272 cases in 2024. Bacterial meningitis has a mortality rate of 10–15% even with treatment, and 11–19% of survivors develop long-term complications including hearing loss, brain damage, and limb amputations from associated septicemia.

How it spreads

Varies by causative organism — most spread through respiratory droplets or from the patient's own colonized bacteria entering the bloodstream during an immunocompromised state, following trauma, or from a nearby infection.

Symptoms

Classic triad: sudden high fever, severe headache, and stiff neck. Other symptoms: sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting, altered mental status, and seizures. Petechial rash (small purple spots) suggests meningococcemia and requires immediate emergency care. Symptoms can progress from first signs to death within hours.

Who is at risk?

Infants and young children, college students in dormitories (meningococcal), elderly adults (Listeria), people with recent head trauma or neurosurgery, immunocompromised individuals, and people without a spleen.

What you can do

Based on NYSDOH annual communicable disease report. Threat level reflects 2024 case counts compared to the 5-year baseline.