Health advisory from LA Gay & Lesbian Center Medical Director Dr. Robert Bolan on meningococcal meningitis

I’ve posted a story over at Gay Star News on the latest developments on Meningococcal meningitis which, we have now learned, has claimed the lives of three Southern California men since December.

Go to that site to see the story.

I’m going to post here, in its entirety, a letter from the LA Gay and Lesbian Center’s Medical Director Dr. Robert Bolan that tells you all you need to know and links you to various resources:

Dear friends,

Following the tragic death of a young man in West Hollywood who succumbed to infection by meningococcal meningitis, and the subsequent media attention, we’ve been receiving lots of calls about the disease.

Because it’s important for everyone to know the facts, we’ve developed a web page with information regarding the disease, the preventive vaccine, and a list of sites offering vaccinations.  We’ll also update the page with information about any new cases among gay/bi men in Los Angeles.

Here’s what we know:

• This is not considered an outbreak.  According to the L.A. County Department of Public Health (DPH) there have been four cases of meningococcal meningitis in gay/bi men since November, which is when they began tracking by sexual orientation.  Two of the cases resulted in death.  They have not established a connection between any of the four cases.
• On average, the county of Los Angeles has 12-37 cases of meningococcal meningitis each year. Last year there were 12 cases and so far this year there have been 9.
• Only since last fall have local health departments been inquiring about the sexual orientation of those who have been infected and it’s unknown how many other health departments collect this data because that’s not standard procedure.  I have called on the CDC to require all health departments to collect this data so we can learn whether gay and bisexual men are at increased risk.
• This is not a gay disease, nor is it a sexually transmitted disease (though deep kissing is a risk factor), but among gay men in New York there is an outbreak and among gay men in Chicago there was an outbreak in 2003.
• While public health officials are not recommending a vaccination campaign, we believe those who are concerned should have access to the vaccine whether or not they’re insured or can afford it. A list of sites offering the vaccine is on our website.

Most importantly, seek treatment immediately if you think you’ve been exposed. Go to an emergency room if you have symptoms, including fever, severe headache and stiff neck, as well as nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light and altered mental state.

Meningitis is treatable with antibiotics if it’s caught early. So know the signs and symptoms, and be aware.

For additional information and FAQs about bacterial meningitis and getting vaccinated, please check our website, which we’ll continue to update as information becomes available.