The alarming rise in cases has led the CDC to propose vaccines for all gay and bisexual men in Sunshine State. The agency described the ongoing transmission as “one of the worst meningococcal outbreaks in gay and bisexual men in US history.” The bacteria can be spread through saliva and transmission requires close contact, health officials said. Kissing or being near an infected coughing party can cause an infection. “Meningococcal disease can affect anyone and can be fatal and includes infections of the meninges of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and blood circulation,” the CDC said in a statement. The CDC and Florida health officials have issued a warning of a “historic” meningococcal outbreak among gay and bisexual men in Florida.AP Photo / Ron Harris The agency also recommends vaccines for gay men planning to travel to Florida. “This epidemic mainly affects people living in Florida, but it has also affected some people who have traveled to Florida,” officials said. The CDC notes that half of those infected with the disease in Florida are Hispanic.
