NewsDesk @bactiman63

In a follow-up on the meningococcal disease outbreak in Florida in early 2022,  Florida state health officials reported an additional case in Polk County this week– the second in the county and the 22nd confirmed case reported this year to date statewide.

Neisseria meningitidis
Image/CDC

The 22 cases from January 1 to April 14, 2022 is up dramatically from the five confirmed cases reported during the same period in 2021.

27 confirmed cases were reported in all of 2021.

The cases by county year to date are as follows: Brevard (2), Hardee (1), Hillsborough (1), Lake (3), Leon (3), Miami-Dade (2), Orange (6), Osceola (1), Polk (2) and Seminole (1).

Last week, the Florida Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on the outbreak of meningococcal disease primarily among gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men, including those living with HIV.

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CDC is encouraging gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men to:

  • Get a MenACWY vaccine if they live in Florida
  • Talk with their healthcare provider about getting a MenACWY vaccine if they are traveling to Florida

In addition, CDC is highlighting the following existing meningococcal vaccine recommendations:

  • MenACWY vaccination is routinely recommended for all people with HIV in the United States
  • Young adults in the United States, including college students, may choose to get a MenB vaccine

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