The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) is responding to an outbreak of meningococcal disease, a potentially deadly infection that is mostly impacting gay and bisexual men and college students across the Sunshine State.
However, the department said the disease can be prevented and treated. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against meningococcal disease, FDOH said.
So far, the number of cases recorded in 2022 surpasses the 5-year average of meningococcal disease cases in the state of Florida, the department said.
FDOH epidemiologists are investigating each case as well as contacting people with potential or direct exposure to known cases to provide them with information and treatment options.
The following groups should consider vaccination with a meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine during this outbreak:
- College and university students;
- Immunocompromised individuals;
- People living with HIV;
- Men who have sex with men;
- People in any groups listed above who received their MenACWY vaccine more than 5 years ago.
The department found the cause of the disease to be serious bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. Fortunately, these bacteria are not as contagious as germs that cause the common cold or flu. People do not catch the bacteria through casual contact or by breathing the air where someone with meningococcal disease has been. It requires close contact over some time or direct contact such as kissing or sharing drinks.
Early symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, confusion, and rash. Anyone who has been exposed or develops symptoms should be evaluated by a health care provider immediately. This is a rare but potentially devastating disease.
For more info, visit the CDC website.
