Meningitis killed more than 250,000 people worldwide in 2023, report says

A global analysis published in The Lancet Neurology estimates more than 2.5 million meningitis infections and over 250,000 deaths in 2023, and reports that about one-third of deaths were children under age five.

A global assessment published in The Lancet Neurology using the Global Burden of Diseases 2023 framework reports that meningitis remained a major cause of illness and death in 2023. The study estimates more than 2.5 million infections and over 250,000 deaths that year. It points out that about one-third of those who died were children under age five. The authors note that several common bacterial causes are vaccine-preventable and that maternal screening can reduce some newborn infections. Key findings: - The report estimates more than 2.5 million meningitis infections and over 250,000 deaths in 2023, with an overall mortality rate of about 18%. - About one-third of meningitis deaths occurred in children under age five. - The study estimates that preventable cases still sickened 594,000 people and caused 98,700 deaths in 2023; three bacterial causes (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae) are vaccine-preventable and group B Streptococcus transmission can be reduced by maternal screening and intrapartum antibiotics. - Top risk factors for meningitis death include low birthweight, pre-term birth, and household air pollution, and the highest burdens were reported in low-income countries within the African "meningitis belt," including Nigeria, Chad, and Niger. Summary: The study highlights that meningitis continues to cause substantial mortality and long-term health effects worldwide, with a disproportionate impact on young children. The authors urged expanded surveillance, vaccination coverage, and maternal screening; specific policy or implementation steps are undetermined at this time.