Demographic and Regional Trends of Meningitis-related Mortality in the United States from 1999 to 2020: a CDC WONDER Analysis
Sophia Ahmed1, Maryam Shahzad2, Umm E Aimen Minhas1, Eeshal Zulfiqar2, Muneeba Ahsan2, Sonia Hurjkaliani2, FNU Javairia1, Muhammad Tayyab Muzaffar Chaychi3
1Department of Medicine, Allama Iqbal Medical College, 2Department of Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, 3Department of Neurology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine
Objective:
This study analyzed trends and disparities in meningitis-related mortality across different demographic and regional groups in the U.S. from 1999 to 2020.
Background:
Meningitis (MNG) is a life-threatening neurological condition with high mortality and long-term morbidity. Despite advancements in vaccination and treatment, it poses a significant public health challenge, with a case fatality rate of up to 15%, while disparities among demographic groups remain understudied.
Design/Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted using the CDC WONDER database, covering MNG-related deaths in the U.S. from 1999 to 2020. All age groups from 0 to 85+ years were included. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) and crude mortality rates (CMRs) per million were calculated. Trends and annual percent changes (APCs) were assessed overall and stratified by sex, race, region, and age.
Results:
Between 1999 and 2020, a total of 36,326 MNG-related deaths occurred in the US. The AAMR declined from 8.48 in 1999 to 6.81 in 2001, with an APC of -9.78. From 2001 to 2012, the AAMR further decreased from 6.81 to 4.33, showing an APC of -4.26, and remained stable from 2012 to 2020, with an APC of 0.87. Overall, the AAMR was higher in males (5.80) than females (4.54). Non-Hispanic (NH) Black individuals had the highest AAMR (8.59), while NH Asians or Pacific Islanders displayed the lowest (3.58). AAMRs varied by region (West: 5.37; South: 5.34; Midwest: 4.83; Northeast: 4.73). States with the highest AAMRs were the District of Columbia, Alaska and Wyoming. Rural regions had a higher AAMR (5.49) than urban regions (5.04). The adults aged ≥ 65 years exhibited an alarmingly high CMR (15.53).
Conclusions:
Our analysis of MNG-related mortality in the US (1999-2020) reveals a decline in overall rates. However, disparities persist, with higher mortality among males, NH Black individuals, older adults, and rural populations highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
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