CDC: 7 deaths in Florida amid "one of the worst outbreaks of meningococcal disease among gay and bisexual men in U.S. history"
CBSMAR 23 2022
It's horrifying to hear the media downplay the extent of this outbreak. This is a devastating disease that can be easily spread and lead to severely debilitating conditions. Local officials must take this seriously.
Although meningitis should be taken seriously, there's no need to panic. The cases aren't high, and we have all the tools we need to contain and snuff out an outbreak.
The blame of recent outbreaks on gay and bisexual men stigmatizes the community and could discourage people from reporting symptoms. Meningitis can be spread through any close contact; the CDC should be more mindful of the language they use.