Here's a heads-up, so to speak, for gay and bi men in West Hollywood and North Hollywood areas, from the LA Times, Meningitis deaths bring warning for gay men, as medical experts say "urge vaccinations for gay and bisexual men in the wake of three deaths."
The department announced earlier this week that there have been eight cases of invasive meningococcal disease in the county so far this year. Of those, four cases occurred in men who have sex with men. Officials said Thursday that three of them died and that the victims were ages 27 or 28. ... The department said some of those infected men lived or socialized in the West Hollywood and North Hollywood areas but were not more specific.
The AIDS Healhcare Foundation is offering free meningitis vaccinations, and county officials are offering them for those with low income and the uninsured
Invasive meningococcal disease stems from a rare bacterial infection that can spread to the blood, brain or spinal cord and can affect the entire body — sometimes causing death. ... It is spread by close exposure to sneezing or coughing or direct contact with saliva or nose mucus — though it's less contagious than influenza, the health department said.
Activities associated with risk for the illness include smoking, close contact with an infected person such as kissing or sharing beverages or cigarettes, and living in group settings for prolonged periods. .., Symptoms of the illness usually strike within five days of exposure to the bacteria, and may include a high fever, stiff neck, aversion to bright light and aches.
This is sad. But let's not drop the ball here, folks, if you are gay, or bi and live in this area please go get vaccinated. If you live in other areas, it might not be a bad idea to ask your doctor about it.