Public Health Response for Outbreaks

Meningococcal Disease

Key points

  • In the United States, outbreaks of meningococcal disease are rare and unpredictable.
  • Outbreaks can be devastating to affected communities and organizations.
  • In certain outbreaks, CDC recommends vaccination against meningococcal disease to help stop the disease from spreading.
  • Find resources related to meningococcal disease outbreaks.
Healthcare provider placing adhesive bandage on patient's arm after injection of vaccine.

Outbreaks

CDC is monitoring

CDC isn't aware of any meningococcal outbreaks currently affecting the United States.

Increase in the United States

U.S. cases of meningococcal disease have increased sharply since 2021 and now exceed pre-pandemic levels. View the latest data.

Resources

Guidance for the evaluation and public health management of suspected outbreaks of meningococcal disease

Meningococcal vaccination: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States, 2020

NNDSS case definition for meningococcal disease

Antibiotic prophylaxis letter for close contacts

Print
Content Source:
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases; Division of Bacterial Diseases