MIAMI (WSVN) - State health officials are providing some words of warning about an outbreak that is spreading across Florida.
The Florida Department of Health said they are responding to an outbreak of Meningococcal disease across the state.
So far, as of 2022, the number of cases they have recorded have surpassed the five-year average.
“Don’t share drinks, don’t share toothpastes, toothbrushes, avoid very close contact,” said Dr. Jose Vazquez from Baptist Health Medical Group.
Doctors said it’s a serious disease that can lead to meningitis or bloodstream infection.
“It really starts with a very sudden onset of symptoms: fever, nausea, vomiting, severe headache, confusion. Sometimes a patient develops a rash, and it’s almost from one hour to the next, the symptoms occur,” said Vazquez.
Though it is rare, the disease can be deadly.
The Department of Health recommends that college students, immunocompromised people, people living with HIV, men who have sex with men and any of those groups who haven’t received the vaccine in five years to get vaccinated.
7News was told to catch the disease you have to be in close contact with someone for a period of time or have direct contact like kissing and sharing drinks.
“Try to avoid gatherings. In other words, this is a disease that usually occurs very commonly in universities, student dorms, because of the close proximity to each other, so try to avoid those locations,” said Vazquez.
Some of the ways to prevent it are by doing some things we’ve gotten used to the last couple of years.
“Wear a mask, if possible, because this spreads through droplets. Wash your hands and, again, avoid contact with anyone that has either been exposed or is known to have meningitis,” said Vazquez.
The Health Department said vaccines are the best way of avoiding an infection, but if you catch it, early detection is a key factor in the recovery process.
“Studies have shown that the earlier the treatment the better chance of survival, so if you feel like you have been exposed or if you feel you have symptoms, either go see your doctor immediately, contact the doctor or get seen right away, because statistics show the earlier you treat it, the much better chance of survival,” said Vazquez.
The best way to prevent the disease is to get vaccinated.
The Department of Health said vaccines can be found by contacting your doctor, county health department or pharmacy.
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