Florida is currently experiencing a large serogroup C meningococcal disease outbreak, primarily among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Since December 2021, at least 26 cases have been identified as part of this outbreak, including 24 in MSM. Of those, 10 patients were co-infected with HIV, 14 were Hispanic, and 7 have died. This is one of the worst meningococcal disease outbreaks among MSM in U.S. history.

In response to this outbreak, CDC recommends MSM living in Florida get vaccinated against meningococcal disease with a MenACWY vaccine. In addition, CDC is highlighting that MenACWY vaccination is routinely recommended for all people with HIV in the United States. While this outbreak is mostly affecting people who live in Florida, it has also affected some people who have traveled to the state. In light of this and the number of Pride events being held in the state in the coming weeks, CDC encourages MSM who are traveling to Florida to talk with their healthcare provider about getting vaccinated too.

Lastly, CDC hopes to alert healthcare providers about the outbreak and to stress the importance of collecting a travel history and promptly reporting cases to their local or state health department. For more information about the outbreak, visit: www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/outbreaks/FL2022.html.