Florida Department of Health in Orange County officials are warning the public against a meningitis outbreak.
Responding to an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Florida, the FDOH is advising the public that the disease can be prevented and treated, and that getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against it.
According to health officials, the number of cases identified this year surpasses the 5-year average of meningococcal disease cases in Florida. FDOH 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.
Health officials says the following groups should consider vaccination with a meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine during this outbreak:
College and university students;
Immunocompromised individuals;
People living with HIV;
Men who have sex with men;
People in any groups listed above who received their MenACWY vaccine more than 5 years ago.
Find meningococcal vaccines, including the MenACWY vaccine, by contacting a health care provider, county health department, or pharmacy. The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) offers meningococcal vaccines by calling 407-723-5004.
For more information, visit the FDOH Orange website or call the DOH-Orange Epidemiology Program at 407-858-1420.
This is a serious disease caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. Fortunately, these bacteria are not as contagious as germs that cause the common cold or flu. People do not catch the bacteria through casual contact or by breathing air where someone with meningococcal disease has been. It requires close contact over a period of time, or direct contact such as kissing or sharing drinks.
Early symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, confusion, and rash. Anyone who has been exposed or develops symptoms should be evaluated by a health care provider immediately. This is a rare but potentially devastating disease.
For more information about meningococcal disease, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website or the FDOH website.