The CDC is reporting 24 cases of meningococcal in the United States with 6 deaths among gay and bisexual men

June 24, 2022

Washington – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating one of the worst meningococcal outbreaks among gay and bisexual men in U.S. history, according to a recent press release.

“Getting vaccinated against meningococcal disease is the best way to prevent this serious illness, which can quickly become deadly,” said Dr. José R. Romero, director of the 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.”  

The agency has reported at least 24 cases and 6 deaths among gay and bisexual men related to this disease, with approximately half of the outbreak cases among Hispanic men.

The cases related to the current outbreak are most among those who live in Florida but also affected some who traveled to the state.

The CDC is also monitoring a monkeypox outbreak in countries that normally don’t report the disease, with early data showing high numbers among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.

As of June 23, 173 monkeypox/orthopoxvirus cases have been reported in the United States, including approximately 16 Florida cases, per the CDC website.

Meningococcal disease is caused by a bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis.

Approximately 10% of people are colonized with the bacteria in the back of their nose and throat, which means they are “carriers” who harbor the bacteria in their body without being sick.

It is spread by close contact usually through coughing, kissing or prolonged contact.

It is not as contagious as cold or flu germs, so people don’t get infected with the bacteria through “casual contact” or breathing the air where someone with active meningococcal disease has been.

Typical symptoms of meningitis may start as flu-like symptoms that rapidly progress into a fever, headache and a stiff neck as the bacteria infect the protective lining of the brain and spinal cord.

Meningococcal septicemia, also known as meningococcemia, causes bleeding into the skin and other organs as the bacteria multiply and destroy the walls of blood vessels, which often leads to a dusky, purple rash in the later stages of the disease.

Note: What is meningococcal disease? Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. It can lead to serious blood infections. When the linings of the brain and spinal cord become infected, it is called meningitis. The disease strikes quickly and can have serious complications, including death.