MENINGITIS ON THE RISE IN FLORIDA

BY DR. MARK WHITESIDE 

KONKLIFE FEATURING PUBLIC HEALTH WRITER

Meningitis means infection and/or inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. The swelling and inflammation from meningitis can cause symptoms like headache, fever, stiff neck, and sometimes a rash. Most cases of meningitis in the United States are caused by viruses or bacteria, but parasites and fungi can occasionally cause meningitis too. Viral meningitis can often be mild, and resolve without specific treatment. Bacterial meningitis can be severe or even life-threatening, and require emergency antibiotic treatment. Bacterial meningitis can also lead to permanent disabilities, especially with delayed treatment. 

The bacteria that most often cause meningitis include Streptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus, Neisseria meningitidis, or meningococcus, and Hemophilus influenzae. Pneumococcus is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in infants, young children, and adults in the United States. It more frequently causes respiratory infection or pneumonia and it can be prevented by the pneumococcal vaccines. Hemophilus influenzae was once the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children, but the Hemophilus influenzae vaccine has greatly reduced the number of cases of this type of meningitis. 

Neisseria, or meningococcus, is another leading cause of bacterial meningitis. These bacteria live in the respiratory tract, but they can cause meningitis if they enter the bloodstream. This type of meningitis is contagious and can cause outbreaks in college dormitories, military barracks, institutions, etc. Even if vaccinated, health care workers who were in close contact with a person with meningococcal meningitis are given an oral antibiotic to prevent this disease. Vaccines are available to prevent meningococcal meningitis. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that a single dose be given to children at age 11 to 12, with a booster at age 16. The vaccine can also be given to individuals at high risk for the disease and those exposed in outbreaks.

Florida is responding to an increase in meningococcal disease and meningitis in 2022. The following groups at age 18 and older should consider vaccination with a meningococcal vaccine: men who have sex with men, people living with HIV or other immune deficiencies, and those with a damaged or removed spleen including people with sickle cell disease. Military recruits and college students living in a residence hall should get a meningococcal vaccine or booster. Meningococcal vaccination is required by many colleges. Those entering college should receive a booster if they received the vaccine more than 5 years ago. 

Those with signs and symptoms of meningitis should seek immediate medical care. Keeping up to date with recommended vaccination is the best way to prevent serious meningococcal disease. Meningitis can be spread not only through close contact and sexual practices, but by the respiratory route, sharing drinks or utensils, etc. Staying healthy in general, handwashing, and good personal hygiene are always important public health measures. Meningococcal vaccines can be found at doctor’s offices, pharmacies, community health centers, and local health departments. 

More information on meningococcal disease in Florida can be found at these websites: 1. Meningococcal disease. Florida Department of Health (https://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/meningococcal-disease/index.html) and 2. Meningococcal Disease – Florida 2022 – CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/index.html).   For other questions or concerns or to make an appointment for meningococcal vaccine at the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County, you can call 305 293-7500.

Mark Whiteside, M.D., M.P.H, Medical Director, FDOH – Monroe County.

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