Large meningitis outbreak reported among bisexuals and gay men in Florida

The state's five-year average for the meningococcal disease was not as high as the current number. The reported cases this year have surpassed the average. Primarily, the outbreak is affecting bisexual and gay men in Florida. People with HIV are also at risk. People who have traveled to Florida have reportedly also said they are affected.

Due to the outbreak, men who have sex with other men have been urged to get a meningococcal conjugate vaccine. The vaccine is called MenACWY vaccine, and the CDC is pushing men to utilize it. People who would be traveling to Florida and are bisexual or gay should talk to their doctors about the possibility of getting vaccinated, states the CDC.

The Florida Health Department has also recommended the following population get vaccinated with the MenACWY vaccine:

• Men with a weak immune system
• HIV affected people
• University and college students

Over the last few months, there has been an increase in the reported number of university and college students cases. However, CDC stated that it is not evident that this outbreak among students is due to men having sex with men.

The disease is a severe condition and is rare. Neisseria meningitides cause the illness. It is a bacteria, and the most common meningococcal infections include meningitis.

The saliva or respiratory secretion is the cause of the spread of the disease. The disease spreads through prolonged or close contact with someone infected. For instance, being close to people or kissing someone who coughs can be a reason for spreading the disease.

The symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, confusion, stiff neck, and light sensitivity. Other symptoms include chills, cold hands and feet, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, severe muscle aches, and a dark purple rash.

The treatment should happen as soon as possible as it is a severely dangerous disease—every 10 to 15 people out of 100 die even if treated due to this illness.