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This article provides information on how this disease is spreading amongst the people who live in Florida and the people who have traveled there.

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This press release was sent at the request of the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County.

The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) is responding to an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Florida. However, it 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.

Because there is great concern about the increase in cases among college and university students and men who have sex with men, they and the following groups should consider vaccination with a meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine during this outbreak:

Immunocompromised individuals

People living with HIV

People in any groups listed above who received their MenACWY vaccine more than five years ago

Find meningococcal vaccines, including the MenACWY vaccine, by contacting a health care provider, county health department, or pharmacy. FDOH-Alachua offers meningococcal vaccines. For more information, visit the FDOH-Alachua website Florida Department of Health in Alachua (floridahealth.gov) or call 352-334-7900.

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.

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Florida Department of Health in Alachua County Advises on Meningococcal Disease and Vaccines in Florida

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This press release was sent at the request of the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County.

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This article provides information on the outbreak and who it can affect. The article also describes which symptoms may follow after being infected with the disease.

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April 11, 2022 - The CDC has issued a health warning about an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Florida, primarily among gay and bisexual men, including those living with HIV.

It can be a "very serious, often deadly" disease, the CDC said. The two most common types of meningococcal disease are meningitis, which is an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord, and septicemia, which is a bloodstream infection.

The CDC encouraged gay and bisexual men, and men who have sex with men, to get the MenACWY vaccine if they live in Florida. The agency also said that those who plan to visit Florida should talk to their doctor about getting the vaccine before their trip.

In addition, the CDC highlighted its meningococcal vaccine recommendations: that all people with HIV get the MenACWY vaccine and that people ages 16-23, including college students, may choose to get a MenB vaccine.

The main outbreak has occurred among gay and bisexual men, and men who have sex with men, the CDC reported, though other small outbreaks have also been reported across the state during the last few months, including multiple cases in college students. The CDC said the cases among college students aren't related to the larger outbreak.

The outbreak is mostly affecting people who live in Florida, the CDC said, but has also affected some people who have traveled to Florida.

So far, the number of meningococcal cases identified in 2022 has surpassed the 5-year average of cases in Florida, according to a recent update from the Florida Department of Health. State epidemiologists are investigating each case and contacting people with potential or direct exposure to cases.

Meningococcal disease, which is caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, is less contagious than the common cold or flu. Transmission typically occurs through saliva from close contact over a period of time, such as kissing or sharing a drink, the department said.

Symptoms of meningococcal disease can first appear as a flu-like illness and quickly get worse, the CDC said. Early symptoms include a fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, confusion, and a rash.

People with such symptoms should seek medical care. The infection is treatable, the CDC said, though vaccination is the best way to prevent the infection and potential long-term health problems.

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CDC Reports Meningococcal Disease Outbreak in Florida

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April 11, 2022 - The CDC has issued a health warning about an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Florida, primarily among gay and bisexual men, including those living with HIV. It can be a "very serious, often deadly" disease, the CDC said.

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This article provides information of the different strains of meningitis and what they are. This article is very informative and helpful at explaining exactly what this disease is.

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Summary

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) represents a public health problem and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. IMD can occur as an endemic disease with sporadic cases or epidemics with outbreaks. Neisseria meningitis strains are divided into 13 serogroups, but only five (A, B, C, W-135, and Y) are responsible for most IMD across the world. All age groups are at risk for IMD, but infants and adolescents are particularly vulnerable. The most common clinical manifestations of IMD are meningitis and septicemia, although in some cases both clinical pictures are present. The clinical pattern can differ according to age; in young children, the clinical manifestations may be more insidious and the diagnosis may be more difficult compared to older children or adolescents. Death occurs in 6-10% of cases and sequelae in 4.3-11.2% of cases. Early recognition of children with meningococcal infection is important in order to initiate systemic antibiotic therapy, although vaccination remains the best strategy to control meningococcal disease. Recently, different meningococcal vaccines have been introduced worldwide, resulting in a reduction in the overall burden of the disease. The goal of the next few years should be to increase vaccination coverage against meningococcal diseases, continue to monitor IMD and develop a unique vaccine able to cover all of the main meningococcal strains.

Key words: Children, Invasive meningococcal disease, Meningococcal disease, Pediatric age, Neisseria meningitidis

Introduction

Neisseria meningitidis is an anaerobic Gram-negative diplococcus that is responsible for invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), which represents a public health problem and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide [ 1, 2]. Globally, the incidence of IMD is 500,000 cases every year, although the incidence varies from <1 per 100,000 per year in North America and Europe to 10-1,000 per 100,000 per year in the "meningitis belt" of sub-Saharan Africa [ 3, 4]. Death occurs in 6-10% of cases and sequelae in 4.3-11.2% of cases [ 5].

Meningococcal carriage, which represents the first step of disease transmission, varies with age and setting. It is known that N. meningitidis colonizes the nasopharynx in up to 5-10% of adults who are asymptomatic. A recent study demonstrated that the carriage prevalence increases throughout childhood from 4.5% in infants to a peak of 23.7% in 19 year old subjects, then decreases to 7.8% in 50 year old adults [ 6]. This overview summarizes new data on meningococcal disease in children and the possibilities of its prevention.

Epidemiology

N. meningitidis strains are divided into 13 serogroups on the basis of the immunochemistry of their capsular polysaccharides; however, only five serogroups (A, B, C, W-135, Y, and X) are responsible for most IMD cases around the world [ 4]. IMD can occur as an endemic disease with sporadic cases or epidemics with outbreaks. All age groups are at risk for IMD, but infants and adolescents are particularly vulnerable due to the disappearance of maternal antibodies early in life and the high rate of nasopharyngeal colonization [ 2, 3]. Some settings, such as schools, university dormitories and barracks, are at high risk for N. meningitidis transmission. Moreover, low socioeconomic status, minority ethnicity, immune deficiencies and asplenia predispose individuals to meningococcal infection [ 2, 3].

The serogroups causing IMD vary geographically, mostly likely due to differences in population immunity and environmental factors. Meningococcus serogroup A (MenA) occurs in Africa and some areas of Asia, whereas serogroups B (MenB), C (MenC) and Y (MenY) are predominant in the other continents, including Europe and North America [ 2, 4]. In the 13 countries included in the African "meningitis belt", MenA was responsible for the majority of cases in 2007-2009, while meningococcus serogroup W135 (MenW135) predominated in 2010 and 2011 [ 4]. Although MenC is rare in Africa, in 2013 and 2014 two outbreaks due to a novel strain of MenC were reported in Nigeria and Kebbi, respectively [ 7]. Moreover, during 2006-2010 outbreaks of MenX were described in Niger, Togo, Kenya, Uganda, and Burkina Faso [ 8]. In Europe, MenB is the main cause of IMD, followed by MenC and MenY [ 4]. In countries with established MenC vaccination programs, the incidence of MenC disease has significantly declined [ 2, 4]. In comparison with the US, IMD caused by MenY is rare in Europe. However, an increase in this serogroup has been reported in recent years, particularly in the Nordic European countries [ 9].

Clinical manifestation and sequelae

The most common clinical manifestations of meningococcal infection are meningitis and septicemia, although in some cases both clinical pictures are present [ 3, 10- 12]. However, signs and symptoms at the onset of the disease, such as coryza and sore throat, may resemble those of common respiratory viral infections [ 11]. The incubation period varies from 1 to 14 days, although it usually lasts less than 2 days [ 11].

The clinical pattern can differ according to age, and it is not infrequent for children to be initially misdiagnosed. The clinical manifestations may be more insidious in young children, with non-specific signs; thus, diagnosis may be more difficult than in older children or adolescents. Irritability and lethargy are common features at this age. In some cases, seizures with focal onset may occur at the beginning of the disease. Moreover, neck stiffness is rare in children younger than 2 years of age [ 3, 10- 12]. Bulging anterior fontanalle may occur in infants <18 months of age. In general, infants exhibit a more rapid progression of the disease compared to older children [ 12]. Similar to adults, in older children the most common symptoms are fever, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, headache, agitation, decreased level of consciousness and neck stiffness. However, seizure and focal neurological signs are less common [ 3, 10- 12]. Septic shock is more common in children and progresses rapidly, with multiple organ failure and death occurring within 24 hours [ 3, 10- 12]. Often, non-specific symptoms such as fever, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, irritability and poor feeding are present within 4-6 hours from the onset of the disease [ 3, 10- 12]. One of the most common symptoms associated with sepsis is a rapidly progressive hemorrhagic rash that usually starts on the lower extremities, although mucous membranes and sclera may be involved [ 3, 10- 12]. Skin lesions include macules, maculopapules, urticaria, petechiae, purpura and ecchymoses. The purpuric rash may progress to purpura fulminans, a cutaneous manifestation of disseminated intravascular coagulation. These cases are often associated with septic shock and skin necrosis, ischemia, or infarction of digits or limbs that usually require amputation [ 3, 10- 12]. Three clinical signs of early sepsis have been identified in children and adolescents: leg pain, cold hands and feet, and abnormal skin color. These features may suggest that the vital signs are compromised [ 11]. Some authors reported chronic meningococcemia that consisted of recurrent attacks of fever, arthralgia and/or arthritis associated with a rash and headache [ 3, 11].

IMD is a life-threatening disease with a very high rate of severe sequelae among survivors. In a recent article, Sadargani et al. evaluated the outcomes of IMD in 868 subjects (52% adults and 48% children) in Canada between 2002 and 2011. The mortality was lower in children than in adults, but 21% of children (particularly those < 5 years of age) had at least one complication compared with 15% of adults. The highest complication rates occurred in children with septic shock without meningitis, and the most common sequelae were hearing loss, deafness, seizure, amputation and skin scarring [ 13]. In a study that evaluated the outcome of IMD in 181 children < 15 years of age, the case fatality rate was 11.6% and at least one long-term sequelae was reported in 33% of patients: learning academic difficulties (22.6%), hearing impairment (7%), and neurological (12.2%), behavioral (14.8%) and motor (10.4%) deficits [ 14].

The duration of illness prior to admission and the presence of seizures, focal neurological deficits, depressed level of consciousness and low levels of cerebrospinal fluid glucose may be associated with a high risk of sequelae [ 11]. Wang at al. demonstrated that sequelae occurred in all children <1 years of age with IMD and a history of prematurity [ 15].

Treatment

Due to the severity of meningococcal disease including its high case fatality rate and possibility of sequelae, early clinical and laboratory diagnosis is very important. Lumbar puncture must be performed in all suspected cases with clinical signs and symptoms of IMD. In most cases, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) reveals high opening pressure, pleocytosis, high protein levels and low glucose levels [ 10]. N. meningitidis should be detected in the CSF or blood by Gram staining, standard culture and/or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) [ 10, 11]. These examinations must be performed very quickly to avoid delays in the administration of therapy. Sometimes standard cultures may result in false negatives due to prior administration of oral antibiotic treatment that reduces the sensitivity of the exam. In these cases, PCR could be useful [ 10]. Lumbar puncture can be hazardous in patients with prolonged seizures, immunocompromised patients, in the presence of signs of space-occupying lesions and in patients with severe impairment of consciousness and shock [ 10].

Prompt and adequate intravenous antibiotic treatment is essential to stop the proliferation and kill N. meningitidis. Local antibiotic resistance should guide the choice of the antibiotic. In most cases, an intravenous third-generation cephalosporin (e.g., 100 mg/kg/day ceftriaxone administered i.v. in one daily dose or 100 mg/kg/day cefotaxime administered i.v. divided into three daily doses) should be used as the first choice of treatment. If these antibiotics are not available, intravenous penicillin should be started [ 10, 11]. If available, the result of antibiotic sensitivities could guide the continuation of the antibiotic therapy. The recommended duration of treatment is 7-10 days, although recent studies demonstrated that CSF sterilization may occur within 3-4 days [ 10, 11].

Prophylaxis is indicated and recommended only for close contacts of the index case (i.e., subjects who remained with the index case for more than 4 hours during the 7 previous days). In these cases, oral rifampicin or ciprofloxacin are the drugs of choice according to age [ 11].

Meningococcal vaccines

Vaccination remains the best strategy to prevent meningococcal disease due to the high fatality rate and the significant sequelae that can result from the infection despite prompt antibiotic treatment. Recently, new meningococcal vaccines have been introduced worldwide, resulting in a reduction in the overall burden of the disease.

Since the introduction of the meningococcal serogroup C conjugate vaccine, the incidence of MenC disease has significantly declined [ 16]. Commercially available monovalent conjugate vaccines include Menjugate (MCC-CRM197), Meningitec (MCC-CRM197) and NeisVac (MCC-TT). Quadrivalent vaccines containing the meningococcal ACWY serogroups conjugated with different proteins have also been produced. Those available in the market are Menactra (ACWY-DT) licensed for children aged 2-55 years, Menveo (ACWYCRM197) licensed in Europe and the US for children ≥2 years of age and Nimenrix (ACWY-TT) licensed in Europe for infants ≥12 months of age. These conjugated vaccines have proven to be safe and effective in protecting individuals against meningitis; moreover, these vaccines have demonstrated herd immunity by interrupting carriage transmission [ 17- 19]. The quadrivalent polysaccharide vaccines Menomune and Mencevax have also proven to be safe and elicit bactericidal antibodies in older children and adults; however, they are not used in routine vaccination programs due to their poor immunogenicity in young children, short-term protection and inability to produce herd immunity [ 16, 18]. Unfortunately, quadrivalent ACYW meningococcal vaccines (conjugated or polysaccharide) are not widely used in developing countries due to high costs. An effective and safe conjugate vaccine against MenA (MenAfrivac) first licensed in India in 2009 was introduced into the African "meningitis belt" in 2010 for subjects between 1-29 years of age; this vaccine is being implemented in these regions with the goal of protecting the entire population at risk by the year 2016 [ 18].

Considering the high incidence of MenB disease in developed countries, the production of a vaccine effective against this serotype was a priority. However, vaccines against MenB were difficult to produce. Because the external polysaccharide capsule of MenB resembles the adhesion molecules on the surface of neural cells, conjugate vaccines were not protective against MenB disease and moreover could induce an autoimmune response [ 5, 20]. The first vaccine that showed a partial efficacy against MenB disease was produced in Cuba, New Zealand and Norway, but it was strain specific and therefore was used only to control the epidemics [ 5]. For these reasons, this vaccine could not be considered effective against the different MenB strains that cause epidemics worldwide. After several attempts, a multicomponent MenB vaccine (4CMenB, Bexsero) that covered different strains was produced using reverse vaccinology [ 5, 21]. 4CMenB was composed of four components: the first component was the factor H binding protein (fHbp) fused with the GNA 2091 protein, the second was Neisseria adhesion A (NadA), the third was the Neisseria heparin binding protein (NHba) fused with the GNA 1030 protein, and the forth component was OMV NZ98/254, which has several antigen components (the major component is PorA). The three antigens fHbp, NadA and NHba evoke serum bactericidal antibodies, while the two antigens GNA 2091 and GNA 1030 improve the immunogenicity of the major antigens when fused with them [ 5, 20]. In January 2013, 4CMenB was licensed in the European Union and thereafter in Australia and Canada for use in subjects older than 2 months of age [ 5, 20]. Considering the low incidence of IMD, it is quite difficult to evaluate the impact of any meningococcal vaccine through randomized controlled clinical studies. Although serological methods could be used to evaluate the protection of other meningococcal vaccines, these methods could not be used for 4CMenB due to the high number of genetically different MenB strains that cause IMD. To overcome this problem, the vaccine's manufacturer used a new method called the meningococcal antigen typing system (MATS) that uses a unique vaccine antigen-specific ELISA capable of detecting qualitative and quantitative differences in the fHbp, NHba, and NadA antigens; then, the results are combined with PorA typing information [ 5]. The results from the analysis of 1,052 MenB strains isolated from different countries in Europe showed that 4CMenB could protect against 68%-88% of MenB strains [ 5]. A bivalent fHbp recombinant vaccine (also known as LP2086; Trumenba) has been developed since 2006 and has now been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in 10- to 25-year olds [26]. This vaccine appeared to be safe in a phase 3 study in approximately 5,600 healthy individuals aged 10 through 25 years and was immunogenic and safe when co-administered with routine meningococcal A, C, Y, and W and tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccines in a phase 2 study in more than 2,600 healthy individuals aged 10 through 12 years [26]. Studies on this vaccine are ongoing in Europe, and approval from the European Medicines Agency is expected in 2017.

In the future, optimal preventive strategies necessitate a unique vaccine against MenA, B, C, W, and Y. A recent phase 2 study assessed the immunogenicity, safety and reactogenicity in healthy adolescents of an investigational formulation of a meningococcal ABCWY vaccine consisting of recombinant proteins (rMenB) and OMV components of a licensed serogroup B vaccine combined with components of a licensed quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY-CRM) [ 23]. The authors showed that the investigational MenABCWY formulation containing OMV components elicited a high response against all strains with an acceptable safety profile [ 23].

Due to the emergence of MenX in Africa in the last decades, it is extremely important to develop a new vaccine that is effective against this serotype. No licensed vaccine is available at present, but interesting data were reported in a recent study conducted in mice that evaluated the immunogenicity of the MenX outer membrane vesicles (XOMV) or MenX polysaccharide (X-PS) combined with a bivalent AW-OMV vaccine previously demonstrated to be immunogenic in mice [ 24]. The authors demonstrated that a high antibody response was induced after two doses of X-OMV alone or combined with AW-OMV. In contrast, X-PS was not immunogenic alone but was immunogenic in combination with AW-OMV.

Conclusions

IMD represents a severe and life-threatening problem for the worldwide community. Early recognition of children with meningococcal infection is mandatory in order to immediately start systemic antibiotic therapy and avoid death or long-term sequelae. Vaccination represents the best strategy to prevent meningococcal disease. Recently, the introduction of new conjugate vaccines that are effective in very young children has significantly reduced the incidence of IMD in many countries. Moreover, the availability of new vaccines against MenB will permit a further increase in preventive possibilities against IMD. The goal of the next few years should be to increase vaccination coverage against meningococcal diseases, continue to monitor IMD and develop a unique vaccine able to cover all of the main meningococcal strains.

References

3. Dwilow R, Fanella S. Invasive meningococcal disease in the 21[ st century-an update for the clinicians. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2015;15:2-9. [ PubMed] Google Scholar]

Articles from Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene are provided here courtesy of Pacini Editore

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Meningococcal disease in childhood: epidemiology, clinical features and prevention

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Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) represents a public health problem and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. IMD can occur as an endemic disease with sporadic cases or epidemics with outbreaks. Neisseria meningitis strains are divided into 13 serogroups, but only five (A, B, C, W-135, and Y) are responsible for most IMD across the world.

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Meningococcal disease is a strain of meningitis. This WHO article explains exactly what meningococcal meningitis is, who it affects, transmission, symptoms, and treatment.

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Meningitis is a serious infection of the meninges, the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It is a devastating disease and remains a major public health challenge. The disease can be caused by many different pathogens including bacteria, fungi or viruses, but the highest global burden is seen with bacterial meningitis.

Several different bacteria can cause meningitis. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis are the most frequent ones. N. meningitidis, causing meningococcal meningitis, is the one with the potential to produce large epidemics. There are 12 serogroups of N. meningitidis that have been identified, 6 of which (A, B, C, W, X and Y) can cause epidemics.

Meningococcal meningitis can affect anyone of any age, but mainly affects babies, preschool children and young people. The disease can occur in a range of situations from sporadic cases, small clusters to large epidemics throughout the world, with seasonal variations. Geographic distribution and epidemic potential differ according to serogroup. The largest burden of meningococcal meningitis occurs in the meningitis belt, an area of sub-Saharan Africa, which stretches from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east.

N. meningitidis can cause a variety of diseases. Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) refers to the range of invasive diseases caused by N. meningitidis, including septicemia, arthritis and meningitis. Similarly, S. pneumoniae causes other invasive diseases including otitis and pneumonia

Transmission

The bacteria that cause meningitis are transmitted from person-to-person through droplets of respiratory or throat secretions from carriers. Close and prolonged contact - such as kissing, sneezing or coughing on someone, or living in close quarters with an infected person, facilitates the spread of the disease. The average incubation period is 4 days but can range between 2 and 10 days.

Neisseria meningitidis only infects humans. The bacteria can be carried in the throat and can sometimes overwhelm the body's defences allowing infection to spread through the bloodstream to the brain. A significant proportion of the population (between 5 and 10%) carries Neisseria meningitidis in their throat at any given time.

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Meningitis is a serious infection of the meninges, the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It is a devastating disease and remains a major public health challenge. The disease can be caused by many different pathogens including bacteria, fungi or viruses, but the highest global burden is seen with bacterial meningitis.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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This article is by the CDC and explains how to prevent the Meningococcal Disease and how it is spread.

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Meningococcal disease outbreak among men who have sex with men
In response to an ongoing outbreak of serogroup C meningococcal disease in Florida, CDC is encouraging gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men to:

Get a MenACWY vaccine if they live in Florida¹

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

In addition, CDC is highlighting that MenACWY vaccination is routinely recommended for all people with HIV in the United States. ²
Meningococcal disease cluster among college and university students
In response to a cluster of serogroup B meningococcal disease cases in Florida, officials are recommending the following groups of college and university students in Leon County, FL, consider getting a MenB vaccine series ³:

College and university undergraduate students

Students living in on-campus housing

Those who participate in a fraternity or sorority

Find a meningococcal vaccine by contacting your

Meningococcal disease: Very serious, often deadly

The two most common types of meningococcal infections are meningitis (an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and bloodstream infection, both of which can quickly become deadly. Three serogroups of meningococcal bacteria cause most meningococcal disease in the United States: B, C, and Y.

Serogroup C outbreak among men who have sex with men

There is a large, ongoing outbreak of serogroup C meningococcal disease in Floridaexternal icon , primarily among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, including those living with HIV. Recent data show that about half of the cases associated with this outbreak are among Hispanic men. This outbreak is mostly affecting people who live in Florida but has also affected some people who have traveled to Florida.

MenACWY vaccination offers the best protection
In response to the serogroup C outbreak in Florida, CDC is encouraging gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (with or without HIV) 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

Ideally, people would get vaccinated with one dose (or the 2-dose series for people with HIV) at least 2 weeks before traveling. Learn more about what gay and bisexual men need to know about meningococcal disease outbreakspdf icon .

CDC is also emphasizing the importance of routine MenACWY vaccination for people with HIV. For the best protection, people with HIV should make sure they have gotten their 2-dose primary series of a MenACWY vaccine and are up to date with booster doses. Learn more about what people living with HIV need to know about meningococcal diseasepdf icon .

Serogroup B cluster among college and university students

Leon County, FL, also reports an unrelated serogroup B meningococcal disease cluster among college and university studentsexternal icon . This cluster has only been reported to affect people living in Florida.

Serogroup B vaccination offers the best protection
In response to the serogroup B cluster in Florida, officials are recommending the following groups of college and university students in Leon County, FL, consider getting a MenB vaccine series:

College and university undergraduate students

Students living in on-campus housing

Those who participate in a fraternity or sorority

Learn more about what people need to know about serogroup B meningococcal diseasepdf icon .

Finding and paying for meningococcal vaccination

If you are recommended meningococcal vaccination during an outbreak, it should be covered by your insurance provider. If you do not have insurance, a local health department should be able to provide your vaccination free of charge.
Footnotes

1. CDC routinely recommends MenACWY vaccine for children and adults at increased risk for meningococcal disease during an outbreak involving serogroups A, C, W, or Y. CDC also recommends a booster shot for those at increased risk due to an outbreak who received the vaccine more than 5 years ago.

2. CDC routinely recommends MenACWY vaccine for children and adults at increased risk for meningococcal disease, including those with HIV. People with HIV should get a 2-dose primary series of MenACWY vaccine, with the second dose given at least 8 weeks after the first, followed by a booster dose every 5 years. If someone completed their primary series before the age of 7 years, they should get their first booster dose 3 years later and then get a booster dose every 5 years.

3. CDC routinely recommends MenB vaccine for people 10 years or older who are at increased risk for meningococcal disease during an outbreak involving serogroup B. CDC also recommends a booster shot for those at increased risk due to an outbreak who received the vaccine more than 1 year ago.

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meningococcal; outbreak; fdoh; florida department of health; neisseria meningitidis; meningococcal disease

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Meningococcal Disease in Florida, 2022 | CDC

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Find out about CDC’s response to an ongoing outbreak of meningococcal disease in Florida.

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This article provides information on who is at risk for contracting meningococcal disease.

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Published May 4, 2022 at 4:51 PM EDT

Jack Plunkett/AP Images for Novartis Vaccines

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AP Images

Andrew Meigs (18) receives Bexsero®, the Novartis meningococcal group B vaccine, which was recently approved by the FDA for those ages 10-25. Bexsero helps protect against group B, one of the most prevalent types of meningococcal disease in the US, in two doses. Andrews sister Leslie (also pictured) is a survivor who advocates for vaccination in Texas, their home state. Despite appropriate treatment, as many as 10 percent of people with meningococcal disease will die and almost one in five survivors will suffer long-term disability. Bexsero is not expected to cover all group B strains.

Leon County health officials are urging college students to get vaccinated against a particular strain of meningococcal disease.

The Florida Department of Health in Leon County reported on April 1 that there were three college students between the ages of 18-22 who were confirmed to have meningococcal disease.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, health officials explain fraternity and sorority members, along with students who live on campus, face a higher risk of contracting the disease.

They recommend undergraduate students get the Meningococcal B vaccine to protect against the strain that was identified locally after a health department investigation.

According to the health department, early symptoms include:

fever

headache

stiff neck

nausea

vomiting

light sensitivity

confusion

rash

Meningococcal vaccines are available through health care providers, pharmacies and the health department's Roberts & Stevens (R&S) Clinic, located at 1515 Old Bainbridge Rd.

Those who want to make an appointment with the health department can call: 850-404-6403.

Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly implied that the three confirmed cases of meningococcal disease in Leon County are new. The cases were confirmed on April 1 and the strain was identified this week.

Tags

Valerie Crowder hosts and produces state and local newscasts during All Things Considered. Her reporting on local government and politics has received state and regional award recognition. She has also contributed stories to NPR newscasts.

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This article has information on how the CDC is planning to prevent the disease from spreading.

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The meningococcal outbreak is mostly impacting people living in Florida, but also those who have traveled to the state, the CDC says.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — In response to an ongoing outbreak of meningococcal disease in Florida, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging travelers headed to Pride events in the state to get vaccinated.

According to the CDC, the outbreak of serogroup C meningococcal disease in Florida is primarily impacting gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, including those living with HIV.

"Recent data show that about half of the cases associated with this outbreak are among Hispanic men," the CDC said in a report. "This outbreak is mostly affecting people who live in Florida but has also affected some people who have traveled to Florida."

But what is the disease?

The CDC defines meningococcal disease as "any illness caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis." There are two serogroups, Serogroup B and Serogroup C impacting Floridians.

The two most common types of meningococcal illness are infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord, known as meningitis, and infections of the bloodstream, the agency adds.

There are ways to mitigate the disease by getting vaccinated. The CDC recommends speaking with a healthcare provider about getting a MenACWY vaccine if you are a resident or have plans to travel to Florida.

A Meningococcal disease cluster has been discovered in Leon County where the city of Tallahassee is located. Officials recommend college and university students in the area consider getting a MenB vaccine series.

Recommendations to get a meningococcal vaccine during an outbreak should be covered by your insurance, the CDC says. If not, a local health department should be able to provide the vaccine for free.

The outbreak was discovered earlier this year and officials say the number of cases statewide has already surpassed the five-year average case count.

It's important to know that the disease is not limited to certain groups of people and know that anyone can be infected by the meningococcal disease that comes on like the flu, then rapidly worsens.

USF Assistant Professor Dr. Jill Roberts, who specializes in molecular epidemiology, explains, "Unfortunately, it seems that was the population that was struck first, and this virus spreads through close prolonged contact. There is nothing special about Neisseria that it particularly wants to spread in that population."

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Florida faces another meningococcal disease outbreak ahead of Pride

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The meningococcal outbreak is mostly impacting people living in Florida, but also those who have traveled to the state, the CDC says.

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This video explains exactly what meningococcal is, gives some insight on the vaccine, how common this disease is, and how to treat it.

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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging gay and bisexual men to get the meningococcal vaccine after an outbreak in Florida has led to an increase in cases.

Multiple meningitis cases have been reported across the state in the past few months, and some involved college students and those living with HIV, according to a news release from the CDC.

"Anyone who has been exposed or develops symptoms should be evaluated by a health care provider right away," the release from the Florida Department of Health of Leon County said. "This is a rare but potentially devastating infection."

For every 100 people who contract meningococcal disease, 10 to 15 will die, according to the CDC. One in 5 people who recover can suffer from long-term disabilities such as loss of limbs, brain damage and deafness.

The Florida Department of Health said the number of cases in 2022 has surpassed the five-year average, and it is investigating three confirmed cases in Tallahassee in people ages 18 to 22.

The disease is a more serious form of meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

It is caused by the bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, which is less contagious than germs that cause the common cold or flu, the release said. Meningococcal can be contracted after long periods of close contact, or direct contact such as kissing or sharing a drink.

Fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting are some of the early symptoms of the disease. The Florida Health Department said anyone exposed should contact their health cae provider immediately.
Contributing: Tallahassee Democrat Follow reporter Asha Gilbert @Coastalasha. Email: agilbert@usatoday.com.

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CDC warns of 'large, ongoing' meningitis outbreak in Florida among gay and bisexual men

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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging gay and bisexual men to get the meningococcal vaccine after an outbreak in Florida has led to an increase in cases. Multiple meningitis cases have been reported across the state in the past few months, and some involved college students and those living with HIV, according to a news release from the CDC.

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This video includes the signs to look out for and which symptoms may need serious attention. This video also gives some insight on how the disease has spread so far.

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TAMPA, Fla. - The Florida Department of Health continues to monitor the state's meningitis outbreak.

"Untreated about 70% of people who get meningitis will actually die from it. So it's incredibly serious," said Dr. Jill Roberts, Associate Professor for the USF College of Public Health.

The meningitis outbreak in Florida has health officials on high alert. According to the Department of Health, cases so far this year have surpassed the five-year average of meningitis cases in Florida.

"You don't have to get a lot of cases before people really start paying attention. The reason that we want to shut it down immediately is because it's just so dangerous," said Roberts.
Meningitis is an inflammation of a part of the brain and spinal cord that can be caused by all kinds of things like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even injuries.

However, this particular outbreak is being ruled by a serious bacterial infection.

"It's Neisseria meningitidis... That's that one that's really quite dangerous and you see these long-term health effects in people who survive Neisseria. And unfortunately it can take lives really really quickly," said Roberts.

The two groups at risk right now are men who have sex with men and college students.

DOH previously advised the following groups to 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

This is something the University of South Florida has unfortunately experienced before.

"We did lose a student from meningitis, well it's been more than a decade but we remember because having a young person die very, very quickly is always loss to the university community," said Roberts.

The type of meningitis health officials are seeing right now does not spread easily. It requires prolonged contact or direct contact like kissing, sharing drinks or utensils, and between people who live together.

Meningitis can start out looking like the flu. Early symptoms include fever, rash, vomiting, nausea, light sensitivity, severe headache, and neck stiffness.

"You really want to note, headache- severe, severe headache plus stiff neck is a warning sign. If you have those two particular symptoms it's really time to seek some care," said Roberts.

The good news is meningitis is treatable by antibiotics if caught early enough and is preventable with a vaccine.

"It's recommended that between the ages of 11 and 12 that individuals get vaccinated. There is a booster requirement that's boosted at around age 16. We do a lot of catch up in the universities where students have come to us and they are not vaccinated yet for meningitis," said Roberts.

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Meningitis outbreak concerns continue, doctors warn community to get protected

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TAMPA, Fla. - The Florida Department of Health continues to monitor the state's meningitis outbreak. "Untreated about 70% of people who get meningitis will actually die from it. So it's incredibly serious," said Dr. Jill Roberts, Associate Professor for the USF College of Public Health.