The outbreak of meningococcal disease has caused 26 illnesses and seven deaths among gay and bisexual men.
The outbreak is primarily affecting men who have sex with men; at least 24 of the cases and six of the deaths have been among gay and bisexual men, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in a news release. Roughly half of the cases have occurred in Hispanic men.
The CDC is urging gay and bisexual men to get the meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) if living in Florida, or talk with their healthcare provider about vaccination if traveling to Florida.
Sam Crowe, a C.D.C. epidemiologist, said, New cases are still being reported. The outbreak is “very much ongoing,” according to the New York Times.
“Getting vaccinated against meningococcal disease is the best way to prevent this serious illness, which can quickly become deadly,” said José R. Romero, M.D., Director, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
Meningococcal disease includes meningitis – infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord – and bloodstream infections, reports CNN News. “Meningococcal disease can affect anyone and can be deadly,” the CDC said in its statement.
The bacteria is spread through sharing respiratory or throat secretions, such as saliva or spit. It normally takes close or lengthy contact, for example kissing or being close to someone who is coughing, to spread the bacteria.
Symptoms include high fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea or vomiting, or a dark purple rash, the CDC said. While they can first appear flu-like, they typically get worse very quickly. If someone has these symptoms, they should seek medical attention immediately.
Meningococcal disease is treatable with antibiotics, but they must begin soon after symptoms begin, the CDC says, as one to two in every 10 people who contract the disease die.
