Meningitis Kills Three Men in LA County, Health Officials Ask Gay Men to Get Vaccinated
Healthcare authorities in Los Angeles have confirmed that three men have died of meningitis. Officials have asked gay men to get a vaccination against the infection.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health identified eight persons affected with invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). Four men contracted the disease through sexual contact with three other HIV positive men. After comparing these findings with reports of 2012 and 2013 investigations, the experts noted similarities in age of IMD infected patients and geographical locations having high incidence of the disease.
It was found that of the four IMD patients who reportedly had sexual associations with other men (MSM); three resided around the West Hollywood and North Hollywood areas and were aged 27 or 28 on average.
Following the guidance by authorities from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the agency recommends Meningococcal vaccine for all gay and bisexual men with or without HIV infection.
Jonathan E. Fielding, Director of Public Health and Health Officer said in the press release, "All HIV-positive MSM and all MSM, regardless of HIV status, who regularly have close or intimate contact with multiple partners, or who seek partners through the use of digital applications, particularly those who share cigarettes, marijuana or use illegal drugs, should visit their health provider to be vaccinated against invasive meningococcal disease,"
The reports suggest all those without health insurance living across LA County will receive free vaccination.
Robert Bolan, LA Gay and Lesbian Center medical director said, "We're concerned there have been four reported cases among gay and bisexual men in just the first three months of this year and that the county is reporting commonalities among some of the cases," reports the NBC News.
Invasive meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection that causes inflammation in lining of the brain and spinal cord. The virus invades the blood stream and other parts of the body resulting in brain damage, hearing loss and even death. The infections spread through saliva and mucous from cough and sneeze of an infected person. Its symptoms, which include stiff neck, high fever, skin rashes, low blood pressure, muscle and joint aches and extreme sensitivity, show up within two to 10 days after infection.
The disease can be transmitted by sharing cigarettes, food and or even having close physical contact, sharing living spaces in jails, dorms and shelters. Activities like smoking hookah and marijuana can up the risks for contracting meningitis.
According to the data by the CDC almost 98 out of 100 cases of Meningococcal diseases are sporadic and the annual attack rates account for nearly one to three per 100,000 people around the world.
Meningitis are rare compared to other deadly infectious flu and do not usually affect the general population. However, experts strictly advice individuals who have highly susceptibility to seek medical help for early screening and intervention.
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