Meningococcal Disease Outbreak Among Gay, Bisexual Men in Southern California - What Is It and How Does it Spread? The Symptoms and Prevention
Meningococcal Disease Outbreak Spreads Among Gay, Bisexual Men in South California
The California Department of Public Health has issued an advisory about a meningococcal disease outbreak, which primarily affects adult gay and bisexual men. Potentially fatal meningococcal disease cases have been on the rise since May and health authorities are worried that the outbreak may worsen during the Pride weekend.
U.S. Meningococcal Disease Outbreak
Several meningococcal disease cases have been reported in the last couple of months, with nine affected patients from Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Six patients, in particular, were infected by a unique set of meningococcal bacteria that resulted in one fatality.
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Numerous cases among gay and bisexual men were also reported in Chicago, New York City and the Los Angeles County. Most of those infected since 2014 were reportedly HIV positive.
San Francisco Pride Weekend
The meningococcal disease outbreak in parts of the U.S. has worried San Francisco health authorities. Those without vaccination against the disease run the risk of getting it, especially since San Francisco is celebrating Pride Weekend. Visitors from all over the country, state and even the world often join the occasion.
Furthermore, those with immune systems compromised by HIV infection have a higher risk compared to those without it. San Francisco health officials are encouraging the adult gay and bisexual men community to get inoculated against the disease to prevent further spread of the infection.
Meningococcal Disease Definition, Symptoms and Treatment
Meningococcal disease is a vaccine-preventable bacterial infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the infection can be severe and can affect the brain, spinal cord and can lead to sepsis. In some cases, meningococcal disease can be fatal. Non-fatal cases of the disease can result in brain damage, hearing loss and other permanent disabilities.
The signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease infection include sudden fever, headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, nausea, confusion and sensitivity to light. Symptoms can appear within three to seven days after exposure to the bacteria.
Early detection and treatment is the key to cure meningococcal disease infection. Antibiotic treatment can help stop the infection. For mid to late cases, antibiotic treatment can still be given but the damage can be irreversible. However, there is available vaccination to help protect against the disease.
