The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health alert about an outbreak of the meningococcal disease in Florida that’s mainly affecting gay and bisexual men.
In response to the outbreak, the CDC has taken the step of advising gay men in the state to get vaccinated, especially if they have HIV.
They also recommend gay men get a booster shot if they had the vaccine more than five years ago.
“In response to an ongoing outbreak of meningococcal disease in Florida, state health officials are recommending all gay and bisexual men living in the state get vaccinated with one dose of a MenACWY vaccine to help protect against meningococcal disease.
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“Florida health officials are also emphasizing the importance of routine vaccination against meningococcal disease for people with HIV. For the best protection, people with HIV should make sure they have gotten their 2-dose primary series of a MenACWY vaccine and are up to date with booster doses.”
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It says the outbreak is mostly affecting people who live in Florida, “but has also affected some people who have traveled to Florida. The two most common types of meningococcal infections are meningitis (an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and bloodstream infection, both of which can quickly become deadly.”
If you’re likely to be traveling to Florida, speak with a health provider about being vaccinated at least two weeks before visiting the state.
The most common symptoms of meningococcal disease are fever, headache, and a stiff neck. This can sometimes be accompanied by vomiting, photophobia (when your eyes are extra sensitive to light), and mental confusion.
Florida is experiencing a #meningococcal disease outbreak primarily among gay & bisexual men, including those living with HIV. FL health officials recommend MenACWY vaccination for all gay and bisexual men, in addition to people with #HIV. Learn more: https://t.co/2PWUgzp6DP. pic.twitter.com/IYY1KTt78A
— CDC (@CDCgov) April 7, 2022
According to ABC 27 News, the outbreak so far includes three confirmed cases in Leon County, according to the local Department of Health.
“We stand at three confirmed cases in individuals in Tallahassee aged 18 to 22. DOH Leon continues to emphasize that getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against this disease, and that the Department offers meningococcal disease vaccines,” said a DOH spokesperson.
Related: What is Shigella—and why should gay men know about it?
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MISTERJETT
always something!!!!!
Heywood Jablowme
Florida rots your brain
frapachino
And they say the GOP is full of hate!
Heywood Jablowme
I didn’t always hate Florida, I had to go there first, lol.
Max
The most common symptoms … accompanied by vomiting, photophobia (when your eyes are extra sensitive to light), and mental confusion.
same symptoms of a heavy night of clubbing!
Consider This
Meningococcal infections are serious and have killed gay men in other locations in the past, including NY, LA, and Chicago. Breakouts do occur from time to time.
Vaccination against this disease should be highly prioritized for guys in the LGBT community. If your insurance will not cover it, the out of pocket cost is in the area of $100 to $150 at many pharmacies.
Scout
Am I misreading something, or did this article confirm only three (3) cases as an outbreak?
michel_banen
Indeed looks like it. Since the covid vaccines are causing a zillion side effects more injections with different vaccines are needed to cover this up.
It’s a well known secret that the covid vaccines seriously damage the immune system so those with underlying health issues [like HIV] will have serious effects. So now the CDC is suggesting more injections…
storm45701
There is no data suggesting that. Please post your source.
PubicHairus
michel_banen, are you patient zero? I believe the meningitis has reached your brain and you need to seek help immediately!
ZzBomb
@michael OH look we have another armchair scientist who got his degree from Facebook and Youtube U.
storm45701
Waiting for DeSatan to use this breakout as a wedge issue against gays.
GaysForTrump
Like how? Forcing and requiring all LGBT to take mandatory vaccine?
Oh wait, that’s only democrats.
PubicHairus
GaysForTrump, do you have meningitis from this infection? It would explain a lot!
Guy4real
If traveling to Florida June 4th and not Hiv Pos no need for vax.only if you have health issues.