# 6628
While the media is understandably focused on the growing fungal meningitis outbreak linked to potentially contaminated steroid injections (see CDC Update: Multi State Meningitis Outbreak – Oct 11th), another outbreak of bacterial meningitis has been reported in New York City over the past several weeks among HIV positive men.
The following notice comes from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Health Department Recommends Vaccination for HIV-Positive Men at High Risk of Meningitis
The Health Department issued recommendations today for vaccinating against invasive meningococcal disease – commonly known as meningitis – after a spike of cases reported over the past five weeks.
The Department is advising vaccinations for any man who is HIV positive and has had intimate contact with another man that he met through a website, digital application (“App”), or at a bar or party since September 1, 2012.
Vaccines will be available starting Friday at medical facilities throughout the city for men who meet these criteria but who cannot obtain it from their HIV care providers.
Find a Nearby Clinic with the Meningitis Vaccine
Read the Fact Sheet on the Outbreak
From the Fact Sheet on this outbreak:
Meningococcal Outbreak Patient Fact Sheet
An outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease has recently been identified among HIV-infected men who have sex with men. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene recommends meningococcal vaccination for the following persons:
Men who are HIV-infected and who have had intimate contact with another man met through a website, digital application (“app”), or at a bar or party since September 1, 2012.
If you think you may be at risk, please read the answers to some important questions below.
Invasive meningococcal disease is a serious infection that can cause a high fever, headache, stiff neck, and rash. Some people die from the infection. If you develop these symptoms, you should immediately seek medical care.
What is invasive meningococcal disease?
Does having HIV put me at greater risk of invasive meningococcal disease?
People living with HIV are at greater risk than the general population of acquiring the infection
that causes invasive meningococcal disease. Approximately 20% of people who develop the
disease die of it.
How is invasive meningococcal disease spread?The disease is spread by prolonged close contact with an infected person. Examples of prolonged close contact include kissing and having sex. In addition, sharing eating utensils, a drinking glass, or a cigarette with an infected person may spread the disease. It is NOT spread by simply breathing the air where a person with the disease has been.
There are several vaccines licensed for use in adults that can help protect people against invasive meningococcal disease. Meningococcal vaccine may provide protection 7 to 10 days after vaccination, but not everyone will develop protective levels of antibodies. If you are HIV-infected and you do receive the meningococcal conjugate vaccine, you should return to your health care provider eight weeks later for a second dose.
How can I protect myself?
If you are HIV-infected and need a health care provider, call 311 to find one.
If you do not know your current HIV status, get tested. NYC residents can receive a free HIV test at one of the Health Department’s Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) or Tuberculosis (TB) clinics, regardless of insurance or immigration status. Call 311 to find a location near you.
Should I get vaccinated with the meningococcal vaccine?
If you meet all the criteria listed above, then the Health Department recommends that you receive
meningococcal vaccine.
For more, we go to the CDC’s Bacterial Meningitis Information page:
Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is usually severe. While most people with meningitis recover, it can cause serious complications, such as brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disabilities.
There are several pathogens (types of germs) that can cause bacterial meningitis. Some of the leading causes of bacterial meningitis in the United States include Haemophilus influenzae (most often caused by type b, Hib), Streptococcus pneumoniae, group B Streptococcus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Neisseria meningitidis.
In the United States, about 4,100 cases of bacterial meningitis, including 500 deaths, occurred each year between 2003–2007.
Signs & Symptoms
Meningitis infection may show up in a person by a sudden onset of fever, headache, and stiff neck. It will often have other symptoms, such as
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Altered mental status (confusion)
The symptoms of bacterial meningitis can appear quickly or over several days. Typically they develop within 3-7 days after exposure.
