The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating "one of the worst meningococcal outbreaks among gay and bisexual men in U.S. history."
The Hill reported that the investigation followed at least 24 reported cases and six deaths in Florida.
In a press release, the CDC described an outbreak of meningococcus from the serological group "C", which is mainly prevalent among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, including those living with HIV, about half of the cases were reported among Hispanic men.
The serological group is a group of bacteria containing a common antigen.
For its part, the CDC, which is investigating the outbreak along with the Florida Department of Health, is looking at the outbreak of a "B" group of meningococcus among college students in Leon County, Florida.
The Florida Department of Health issued its first outbreak alert in Lyon County in April, where meningococcal disease is caused by meningococcal bacteria, and can cause deadly infection in the bloodstream or meningitis, an infection that affects the lining of the brain or spinal cord.
Bacteria are spread through close contact, such as coughing or kissing, while the most common symptoms of the disease are fever, headache or purple rash.
The Florida CDC encourages gay and bisexual men to get a meningococcal vaccine (or MenACWY), which is free of charge through Florida's county resources.
For his part, José Romero, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said that vaccination "is the best way to prevent this serious disease, which can quickly become deadly."
"Those traveling to Florida are talking to their healthcare provider about getting the MenACWY vaccine."
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