loader image
Friday, March 29, 2024
66.9 F
McAllen
We Welcome your Press Release
- Advertisement -

CDC Assists with Meningococcal Disease Outbreak Investigation in Florida

Gay and bisexual men urged to get vaccinated if living in Florida, or talk with their healthcare provider about vaccination if traveling to Florida

Translate to Spanish or other 102 languages!

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues its collaboration with the Florida Department of Health to investigate one of the worst outbreaks of meningococcal disease among gay and bisexual men in U.S. history. At least 24 cases and 6 deaths among gay and bisexual men have been reported. Image for illustration purposes
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues its collaboration with the Florida Department of Health to investigate one of the worst outbreaks of meningococcal disease among gay and bisexual men in U.S. history. At least 24 cases and 6 deaths among gay and bisexual men have been reported. Image for illustration purposes

Mega Doctor News

- Advertisement -

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues its collaboration with the Florida Department of Health to investigate one of the worst outbreaks of meningococcal disease among gay and bisexual men in U.S. history. At least 24 cases and 6 deaths among gay and bisexual men have been reported.

In response to this outbreak, CDC is recommending gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men get a meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) if they live in Florida, or talk with their healthcare provider about getting vaccinated if they are traveling to Florida. CDC is also emphasizing the importance of routine MenACWY vaccination for people with HIV.  

“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. “Because of the outbreak in Florida, and the number of Pride events being held across the state in coming weeks, it’s important that gay and bisexual men who live in Florida get vaccinated, and those traveling to Florida talk to their healthcare provider about getting a MenACWY vaccine.”  

- Advertisement -

People can find a meningococcal vaccine by contacting their doctor’s office, pharmacy, community health center, or local health department. Insurance providers should pay for meningococcal vaccination for those whom it is recommended for during an outbreak. In Florida, anyone can get a MenACWY vaccine at no cost at any county health department during the outbreak.  

Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of meningococcal disease. Symptoms can appear suddenly and include high fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea/vomiting, or a dark purple rash. Symptoms can first appear as a flu-like illness, but typically worsen very quickly. People spread meningococcal bacteria to others by sharing respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit). Generally, it takes close or lengthy contact, such as kissing or being near someone coughing, to spread these bacteria.   

Meningococcal disease can affect anyone and can be deadly and includes infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream. Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best protection against meningococcal disease. 

More information about the outbreak and vaccine is available at Meningococcal Disease in Florida, 2022 | CDC.   

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

More Articles

Publisher’s Word: Dr. Andrew W. Phillips and the Pioneering ECMO Program at DHR Health

Over the past year, the Rio Grande Valley has witnessed groundbreaking medical advancements, with DHR Health's Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) program leading the charge.

Dr. Andrew W. Phillips and the Pioneering ECMO Program at DHR Health

In a year marked by significant medical advancements within the Rio Grande Valley, DHR Health's celebration of the first anniversary of its Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) program stands out as state-of-the-art innovation and hope.

DHR Health Physicians, First in Texas to Offer Innovative Patient-Centric Treatment for Urge Urinary Incontinence

UUI, also known as urgent bladder leaks, is a common and often embarrassing problem.

Rene Luna, MD, celebrates 1,000th Robotic Surgical Procedure

Dr. Luna is considered one of the most experienced robotic surgery experts in Texas. 
- Advertisement -
×