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The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a warning about meningococcal outbreaks affecting gay and bisexual men living with HIV in Florida.
Neisseria meningitidis is a meningococcal disease caused by a bacterial infection. Bacteria can cause a deadly blood infection called meningitis and meningococcal (septicemia).
Meningitis and meningococcal disease are urgently needed. Meningococcal disease (sepsis) can die within hours.
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What is meningitis?
Meningitis is a potentially deadly and highly contagious disease that causes inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord.
Symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, and stiff neck, sensitivity to bright light, nausea, vomiting, and confusion.
What is meningococcal septicemia?
Meningococcal disease is a serious blood infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. It increases blood flow and damages the walls of blood vessels resulting in multiple organ failure. Patients with meningococcal septicemia are treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) isolation room so that other patients in the ICU are not infected.
Signs and symptoms of meningococcal sepsis include flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, fatigue, weakness, nausea and / or vomiting, diarrhea and severe pain and soreness in the muscles, joints, chest and / or abdomen. Cold feet and hands usually appear before the skin rash.
Contact your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room if you experience symptoms.
According to the CDC, gay and bisexual men living with HIV and other men who have sex with men should Get the MenACWY vaccine ASAP if they live in Florida.
The CDC also recommends vaccines for gay or bisexual men who plan to move to Florida.
Florida Department of Health in Leon County Investigation of three confirmed cases Meninococcal disease in men aged 18 to 22 in Tallahassee.
The CDC called for immediate vaccination of male college and university students, persons with immunity, men living with HIV and other men who have sex with men.
