CDC warns of meningococcal disease outbreak among gay and bisexual men

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Health officials warn Florida residents about a “large” outbreak of meningococcal disease that’s primarily affecting gay and bisexual men.
• The CDC urges gay and bisexual men to get the meningococcal vaccine that can prevent the disease.
• The disease can be contracted after long periods of close contact or direct contact like kissing or sharing a drink.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns Florida residents about a “large” outbreak of meningococcal disease that affects gay and bisexual men.

According to the CDC, multiple meningitis cases have been reported across Florida in the past few months. Some cases involved college students and those living with HIV.

“Anyone who has been exposed or develops symptoms should be evaluated by a health care provider right away,” the release from the Florida Department of Health of Leon County said. “This is a rare but potentially devastating infection.”

Health officials are urging gay and bisexual men and those who are visiting Florida to speak to their healthcare providers about the MenACWY vaccine to prevent the disease. 

The CDC said that in every 100 people who have meningococcal disease, 10 to 15 will die. One in 5 people who recover from the disease can face long-term disabilities such as brain damage, loss of limbs, and deafness. 

Florida’s meningococcal cases this year have surpassed the state’s five-year average, according to the Florida Department of Health. The agency said it is investigating three confirmed cases in Tallahassee in people ages 18 to 22.

Meningococcal disease is a more serious form of meningitis — an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Caused by the bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, meningococcal disease is less contagious than germs that cause the common cold or flu, the CDC added. People can contract meningococcal after long periods of close contact or direct contact such as kissing or sharing a drink. 

Early symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting. The Florida Health Department urged anyone exposed to contact their health care provider immediately.

Source: USA Today