A new outbreak of bacteria in gay men – may be one of the hardest in American history
Florida is at the center of the spread of the disease that can cause meningitis, with pride events taking place across the state. This coincides with the outbreak of the monkey smallpox virus
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating what may be one of the most acute outbreaks in U.S. history of a deadly disease among gay and bisexual men, spreading in Florida.
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Dr. Jose R. Romero, director of the National Center for Vaccines and Respiratory Diseases, called for a vaccination against meningococcal disease, arguing that “it is the best way to prevent this serious disease, which can quickly become fatal.”
The cases identified in the current outbreak occurred in Florida, among residents and those who came to visit the state.
“Because of an outbreak in Florida, and a number of pride events taking place across the state in the coming weeks, it is important that gay and bisexual men living in Florida be vaccinated, and those traveling to Florida talk to their health care provider about getting vaccinated,” he added.
The agency reported at least 24 cases and six deaths among men related to this disease, with about half of the cases reported being among Hispanic men.
As mentioned, the agency recommends getting a vaccine called MenACWY, which gives protection against the disease caused by four strains of the meningococcal bacteria – A, C, W and Y. The CDC also added that anyone with AIDS should be routinely vaccinated against it.
The announcement of the new outbreak comes after the CDC, as well as the World Health Organization and other departments, monitor the spread of monkey pox in the United States and other Western countries, places where there are usually no cases of the disease.
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Preliminary data show that the virus, which has been endemic for many years in Africa, is high among men who have sex with men.
As of June 23, 173 cases of monkey pox have been reported in the United States, including 16 reported in Florida.
The meningococcal virus settles in the back of the nose and throat, which means that about 10% of carriers store the bacteria in their bodies without becoming ill. The bacterium spreads by close contact, usually through coughing, kissing or prolonged contact.
Although it is not contagious like flu and cold bacteria, when it invades the body it can cause two main diseases: septicemia, in which the bacteria invade the bloodstream and cause damage to organs, and meningitis.
Symptoms typical of meningitis, among others, may start out as flu-like, but progress rapidly to fever, headache and stiff neck, while the bacteria infect the protective lining of the brain and spinal cord.
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