Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - The Virginia Department of Health has declared a statewide meningococcal disease outbreak. In a normal year, Virginia would see nine or ten cases. In the last 12 months, there have been 27, five of which were fatal.
Meningococcal disease can lead to meningitis, and is relatively rare. Spread requires long and close contact through respiratory secretions. This outbreak began as a community outbreak in eastern Virginia but has since been seen in central and southwest regions of the Commonwealth.
There is a recommended vaccine for meningococcal disease, but it is a relatively new recommendation and many older Virginians do not have it.
