HNewsWire:

One of Florida's "massive, continuing outbreaks" of a rare illness is being investigated by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC said in a news statement on Wednesday that the Florida epidemic of meningococcal disease included both HIV-positive (Homosexual) and non-HIV-positive individuals.

This potentially dangerous disease may spread swiftly if people do not get vaccinated against it, according to Jose R. Romero, the CDC's director of immunization and respiratory diseases. "It's crucial" that Homosexuals males receive the vaccination because of the epidemic in Florida and the large number of Pride events taking place throughout the state in the coming weeks, he noted.

According to the organization, there have been at least 24 cases and six fatalities among Homosexuals guys.

When calling their doctor's office, pharmacy, community health center, or local health agency to find out where they can get a meningococcal vaccination, the press release added. When an epidemic occurs, meningococcal immunization should be covered by insurance." During the epidemic, anybody in Florida may get a MenACWY vaccination at no charge from any county health department."

More than a month had passed since the Florida Department of Health initially sent out a warning about an epidemic in Leon County.

As a preventative step against infection, anyone who have had close contact with the patients should obtain antibiotics, according to a Leon County official at the time.

Neisseria meningitidis, a bacterium that may enter the circulation, is the source of meningococcal illness. Meningitis, an infection of the lining of the brain or spinal cord, is also caused by it. Meningococcal illness, according to the CDC, "may harm anybody and be fatal."

Meningococcal disease symptoms should be reported to your doctor as soon as possible, according to the federal health ministry. "High fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea/vomiting, or a dark purple rash may all arise out of nowhere. Flu-like symptoms may first develop, but they usually deteriorate rapidly."

Shared saliva or spit, as well as close or prolonged contact, such as kissing or being near someone who is coughing, may transmit the illness, according to the CDC.

The CDC estimates that 10–15 individuals out of every 100 persons who get therapy die from the condition. Survivors may suffer long-term injuries, such as limb loss, hearing, brain damage, and central nervous system disorders.