Meningitis Cases On The Rise, FL Health Officials Warn

FLORIDA — County health officials throughout Florida are advising at-risk residents to be vaccinated in the wake of a continuing outbreak of meningitis.

The Florida Department of Health said the number of cases identified in 2022 has now surpassed the five-year average for meningococcal bacteria disease cases in Florida.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued an alert for Florida as well. According to the CDC, a cluster of cases has been reported among college and university students in Leon County.

There has been eight new cases reported in Florida since June 1, bringing the total number of cases since Jan. 1 to 43. The largest number of cases were reported in Orange County (13) cases.

Other counties reporting cases include:

• 4 — Lee County
• 4 — Polk County
• 3 — Leon County
• 3 — Miami-Dade County
• 3 — Lake County
• 2 — Brevard County
• 2 — Broward County
• 2 — Seminole County

One case each has been reported in Osceola, Palm Beach, Alachua, Collier, Duval, Hardee and Hillsborough counties.

Eight cases have occurred in people age 30 to 34 years old, six in ages 25 to 29, six in ages 20 to 24, five in ages 35-39 and four in ages 45 to 49.

Epidemiologists are investigating each case, as well as contacting people with potential or direct exposure to reported cases to let them know about treatment options.

The CDC said this is an often-severe and potentially deadly illness caused by a bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. It can infect the lining of the brain and spinal cord (known as meningitis) as well as the bloodstream.

While dangerous, health officials say the disease is not as contagious as germs that cause the common cold or flu, and can be prevented with a vaccination.

The disease cannot be transmitted through casual contact or by breathing the air of someone with the meningitis bacteria. It requires close contact over a period of time or direct contact such as kissing or sharing drinks to contract the disease.

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.

The following groups should consider vaccination with a meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine during this outbreak:

• College and university students.
• Immunocompromised people.
• People living with HIV.
• Men who have sex with men.
• People in any of the groups listed above who received their MenACWY vaccine more than five years ago.

The MenACWY vaccine is available through most health care providers and pharmacies.

County health departments also have some vaccines available at clinics.