The first meningococcal case has been confirmed in Mobile, and health officials are warning residents who get sick to be mindful of their symptoms.

The case of bacterial infection Neisseria meningitidis was confirmed Monday by the Mobile County Health Department. The department, citing federal patient privacy laws, declined further information.

Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County, warned that anyone can get the disease, and it’s important to seek medical attention if you have symptoms. He said that symptoms can first appear as a flu-like illness and rapidly worsen.

Meningococcal disease can cause meningitis, a severe swelling of the brain and spinal cord membranes or meningococcemia, a severe blood infection. It is characterized by a sudden onset of fever, intense headache, nausea, and often vomiting. Meningococcal disease can lead to serious complications, including death.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rates of meningococcal disease in the United States increased in 2023 prompting federal officials to release an alert last March. In 2023, 438 confirmed and probable cases were reported, representing the largest number of U.S. meningococcal disease cases reported since 2013.