Meningitis Mortality: Global and U.S. Statistics

Bacterial meningitis remains a major cause of death and disability despite vaccines.

Global (WHO 2015 Estimates)

• 2.8 million cases
• ~250,000 deaths (case fatality ~9%)
• Highest burden: Sub-Saharan Africa "meningitis belt," low/middle-income countries
• Leading pathogens: S. pneumoniae, N. meningitidis, H. influenzae, GBS

United States (2011–2015 Average)

• ~4,100 bacterial meningitis cases/year
• ~500 deaths/year (case fatality ~12%)
• Declining due to conjugate vaccines (MenACWY, PCV13, Hib)

Viral Meningitis

More common, rarely fatal. Enteroviruses most frequent cause.

Prevention

• Routine childhood vaccines: Hib, PCV13, MenACWY (11–12 yr, booster 16 yr), MenB (shared decision 16–23 yr)
• Adult boosters for asplenia, complement deficiency, microbiologists, travelers, outbreaks
• Antibiotic prophylaxis for close contacts of meningococcal cases

Early recognition (fever, headache, nuchal rigidity, photophobia, altered mental status) and immediate empiric antibiotics + dexamethasone save lives.