New York News
The CDC and Florida Department of Health are investigating a growing meningococcal disease outbreak in Florida, which the CDC called “one of the worst outbreaks” of the disease in U.S. history.
At least 24 cases and seven deaths have been reported, mostly among gay and bisexual men, the agency announced Wednesday. Recent data shows that about half of the cases linked to the outbreak are among Hispanic men.
The number of cases in Florida has surpassed the state’s 5-year average for meningitis. In response, the CDC says that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men should get a meningococcal vaccine if they live in Florida or talk with their doctor about getting the vaccine, known as MenACWY, if they are traveling to Florida.
In Florida, anyone can get a MenACWY vaccine for free at any county health department during the outbreak, the agency said. People should get vaccinated at least 2 weeks before traveling.
“Getting vaccinated against meningococcal disease is the best way to prevent this serious illness, which can quickly become deadly,” Jose Romero, MD, direc