From: NewNowNext
An invasive meningococcal outbreak is affecting gay and bisexual men in Southern California,
the L.A. Times reports.
The first case was identified in May and since then, nine men in Los Angeles and Orange County have been diagnosed with an meningococcal infection. Most of the men are gay or bisexual, and one has died from the illness.
“We are concerned that gay and bisexual men in Southern California may be at increased risk for meningococcal disease,” said Dr. Karen Smith of the California Department of Public Health.
Men who have sex with men are being urged to get a meningitis vaccination.
Since 2014, outbreaks of serogroup C meningococcal disease have been reported in New York City, Los Angeles County and Chicago.
Infection can be spread casually—by sneezing or coughing—or through direct contact with saliva or nose mucus. Symptoms flare up within two to ten days of exposure and include fever, headache, disorientation, light sensitivity, stiff neck and vomiting.
If not treated quickly, meningitis can cause permanent hearing loss, brain damage or even death.
Exposure to the bacteria is not always followed by illness, but smoking, kissing and intimate contact, living with an infected person, and being HIV-positive can all increase the risk.
Area clinics are working to make discounted and free vaccinations available in the wake of this latest outbreak.
Below, NewNowNext’s Ryan Brockington speaks with Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, founder of the Men’s Sexual Health Project, about meningococcal disease.
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