[Spam] CDC warns of meningococcal disease outbreak in Florida primarily affecting perverts - gay, bi men

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health
warning about an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Florida, which the
agency said is mainly affecting gay and bisexual men, including those
living with HIV. 

The CDC urged gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men
to get the MenACWY vaccine if they live in Florida. It also recommended
that those planning to visit Florida talk with their healthcare provider
about getting the vaccine 

The agency added in the advisory that multiple meningococcal disease
cases in college students have been reported in the state over the last
few months. However, the CDC added that there is no evidence to suggest
that the cases among college students are related to the larger
outbreak. 

Meningococcal disease is caused by a bacteria called Neisseria
Meningitidis and the CDC said that it is preventable and treatable. The
advisory added that getting vaccinated is the best way to protect
against meningococcal disease. 

According to the CDC, the two most common types of meningococcal
infections are meningitis, which is an infection of the lining of the
brain and spinal cord, and bloodstream infection, both of which can
quickly become deadly. 

The agency said that the disease’s symptoms can first seem like flu-like
illness and then rapidly worsen. Symptoms of the disease include fever,
headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, confusion and
rash. 

Florida’s Department of Health (FDOH) said on Thursday that the number
of cases identified so far in 2022 surpasses the five-year average of
meningococcal disease cases in the state. 

FDOH said its 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. 

It urged college and university students, immunocompromised individuals,
people living with HIV and men who have sex with men to get vaccinated
against the disease immediately. 

TAGS CDC FLORIDA MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE OUTBREAK

https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/3263319-cdc-warns-of-meningococcal-
disease-outbreak-in-florida-primarily-affecting-gay-bi-men/