Neisseria Meningitidis Conjunctivitis, HPAI A(H5N1), and more

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Avian Influenza in a Child

September 4, 2025

In this Issue

Neisseria meningitidis conjunctivitis, military trainees — TX	Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1), unexposed child – CA

WEEKLY REPORT

Outbreak of Neisseria meningitidis Conjunctivitis in Military Trainees

During February–May 2025, an outbreak of 41 meningococcal conjunctivitis cases occurred among healthy, communally housed, military trainees at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, in San Antonio, Texas; all were treated successfully with topical ocular antibiotics, except one patient who was hospitalized with periorbital cellulitis and required intravenous antibiotics. This is the first documented outbreak report of Neisseria meningitidis conjunctivitis in a young, well-vaccinated, otherwise healthy military recruit population living in a congregate setting.

• Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Infection in a Child with No Known Exposure

  In January 2025, subtyping of a nasopharyngeal specimen routinely collected from a child with flu-like symptoms detected H5N1 bird flu. An extensive investigation of exposures and contacts did not identify a source or evidence of person-to-person spread. A(H5N1) virus infections without a clear exposure source have occurred in two other patients in the United States.

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Questions about this MMWR? Contact us at mmwrq@xxxxxxx

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In Case You Missed It

Estimated Current and Future Congenital Rubella Syndrome Incidence with and Without Rubella Vaccine Introduction — 19 Countries, 2019–2055

Rubella cases are highest in the 19 countries that do not use the rubella vaccine. Modeling studies show that using rubella-containing vaccine (RCV) in these countries will prevent an estimated 1 million cases of birth defects. In 2024, based on these estimates and other considerations, the World Health Organization recommended universal RCV introduction in these 19 countries.

Overdoses Involving Medetomidine Mixed with Opioids — Chicago, Illinois, May 2024

During May 11–17, 2024, investigators identified 12 confirmed, 26 probable, and 140 suspected overdoses in Chicago involving medetomidine mixed with opioids, mostly among men and non-Hispanic Black people, aged 44–65 years, treated at three hospitals on Chicago’s West Side. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) and lack of response to naloxone were defining clinical features. Fentanyl was present in all blood specimens and drug samples that tested positive for medetomidine.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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