Rare bacterial illness on the rise, Chicago Department of Public Health says

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - The Chicago Department of Public Health wants people to be aware of an increase in cases of meningococcal disease.

The department said there’s an increase in the disease nationwide and in Chicago as well.

There have already been eight confirmed cases in Chicago this year. There were seven all of last year, and only one to three each year, between 2017 and 2022.

Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious bacterial infection associated with infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord and bloodstream.

All of the local cases this year have involved individuals with bloodstream infections. Four have died.

The Department of Public Health said it has, so far, been unable to identify a common exposure.

They say a vaccine is the best defense. The disease spreads through close contact, like kissing.

The department says symptoms can start like the flu and then worsen rapidly, and the disease can become life-threatening within hours.

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