CDC investigating large outbreak of Meningococcal Disease among gay, bisexual men

Photo by: Centers for Disease Control
Photo by: Centers for Disease Control

(Atlanta, GA) -- The CDC is investigating what it calls "one of the worst outbreaks of meningococcal disease among gay and bisexual men in U.S. history."

The health agency said this week it began investigating after at least two-dozen cases and six deaths were reported in Florida.

The CDC said the outbreak is spreading primarily among gay, bisexual, and other men having sex with men, including those with HIV. About half the cases were reported among Hispanic men.

The bacteria can cause a deadly bloodstream infection or meningitis, which is an infection of the lining of the brain or spinal cord.