The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) is responding to an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Florida, a disease that can be prevented and treated.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against meningococcal disease. Thus far, the number of cases identified in 2022 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.
The following groups should consider vaccination with a meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine during this outbreak:
• Immunocompromised individuals
• People living with HIV
• Men who have sex with men
• College and university students
•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 Osceola County (FDOH- Osceola) offers meningococcal vaccines. For more information, visit the FDOH-Osceola website or call 407-343-2000. This is a serious disease caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. 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.
