Florida Department Of Health Responding To Meningococcal Disease Outbreak

Daytona Beach, FL - The Florida Department of Health is responding to an outbreak of meningococcal disease, and they’re advising residents to get vaccinated to protect themselves.

A release from the FDOH says the number of cases identified so far this year already surpasses the 5-year average of meningococcal disease cases in the state. Since the outbreak, epidemiologists with the FDOH have been investigating each case on top of contacting those with potential or direct exposure to known cases.

The department recommends getting a meningococcal conjugate vaccine, but stresses that the following groups should especially consider a vaccine. That includes: college & university students; immunocompromised individuals; people living with HIV; males who have sexual contact with the same sex; and anyone in those groups who received their meningococcal conjugate vaccine more than five years ago.

You can find meningococcal vaccines, including the conjugate vaccine, by contacting a health care provider, county health department, or pharmacy. The FDOH’s county health departments also offer meningococcal vaccines.

What Is Meningococcal Disease?

Meningococcal disease is 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 regular contact or by breathing air where someone with meningococcal disease has been. An infection 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. 

Meningococcal disease is rare, but it is a potentially devastating disease.

If you live in Volusia County and would like to see what vaccine opportunities are available, click here. Flagler residents can click here. Alternatively, you can call the Volusia health department at 386-274-0500 and Flagler at 386-437-7350.