NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk health officials are investigating a case of bacterial meningitis, as cases of the infection rise in the state.
Norfolk Department of Public Health officials say they’ve seen an uptick in meningitis cases since 2022.
The same infection killed a Hampton elementary schooler last week. School officials said the Asbury Elementary School student died from streptococcal group A meningitis, a rare form of an already rare infection.
"It’s a very rare illness, no matter what causes it—viruses or different species of bacteria," said Dr. Elizabeth Broderick.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the fluid and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. She said if you have an intense headache, a stiff neck, fever or drowsiness, those are all signs to seek help.
"It’s a out of nowhere awful thing," she said. "When asked to turn to their left to look at something, they will try to turn their entire body rather than trying to turn their head. It hurts that bad."
Now, the Norfolk Department of Public Health is investigating a separate case of the infection.
"Proper action was taken to make sure there was no further threat," said Dr. Susan Girois, the Norfolk District Health Director.
They say it’s part of a broader look into what they’re classifying as a statewide outbreak of meningitis.
"Since June of 2022, across the state, there have been 35 reported cases," she said.
She said in our area, there have been a little over 20 cases in the past two years. Before two years ago, she says they’d typically see a couple of cases per year. She said about 10 percent of cases turn out to be severe.
The cause, she said, is unclear.
"What we do is try to figure out if there is a relationship between the cases. We do a special laboratory test to see if there is a relationship," she said.
Both doctors emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated.
"This disease is vicious. So, anytime you can get a vaccine, doctors are all for it because we want to prevent these very rare, horrible things," said Broderick.
Girois calls the infection entirely preventable.
"That’s the beauty of public health and the beauty of vaccinations. And it’s a very effective vaccine. So, children, rising 7th graders, make sure you get your vaccines in, rising 12th graders. It’s a requirement in Virginia," she said.
The infection can spread by coughing or sneezing directly onto another person’s face, kissing on the mouth or sharing things like drinks or utensils.