US health authorities warned of an outbreak of meningitis in Florida

First it was the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). They were then joined by health authorities in Florida, and particularly those in Miami Dade County, all are issuing a health alert about the outbreak of meningococcal disease in Florida.

While they have not provided the total figures, the Miami Dade health department reported that so far the number of cases identified in 2022 in the first three months exceeds the annual average for the past five years.

This is the so-called Neisseiria Meningitidis bacterium, whose two most common types of infection are meningitis and sepsis. They are very serious and can kill in a matter of hours, but they are known bacteria for which there are vaccines.

It is spread through direct contact either sexual, such as through oral fluids when kissing or sharing glasses. It is much less contagious than the flu virus or coronavirus.

“There is a large ongoing outbreak of meningococcal disease in Florida, mainly among homosexuals and bisexuals, including those with HIV. Cases have also been reported in the state in recent months of university students. At this time there is no evidence to suggest that cases among college students are related to the larger outbreak,” the CDC said on its official website.

Symptoms include fever, body aches, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, and skin rash. It is recommended that as soon as any of these symptoms are detected, you should immediately consult a doctor.

The main warning is to get vaccinated. There are several meningococcal vaccines, the most popular being MenacWY, which is easily obtained with a doctor's prescription at any pharmacy in Florida.

CDC is particularly recommending vaccination of people in the state who are men who have sex with men, college students, people who are immunosuppressed, and people with HIV.

For those who are not vaccinated and infected, there are treatments, so it is essential that they seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

Medical authorities are indicating that no particular community is being singled out for discriminatory purposes, but to warn that it is among this social group that the virus is spreading the most. But you warn that all Floridians, or visitors to the state, should be vigilant as there is no indication that it will not spread to all communities.

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