Three Gay Men Die from Meningitis Disease in Southern California

Since January, eight cases of the most dangerous form of meningitis (invasive meningococcal disease) were documented in Los Angeles County. Today, three gay men who were HIV positive died of the meningitis, alarming California health officials.

Of the remaining five who were confirmed to have the disease, four have recovered and the condition of the last remains unknown. This form of meningitis is highly contagious and can be spread by kissing, sharing a drink or cigarette, or through the use of illegal drugs. Symptoms include high fever, stiff neck, skin rash, severe headache, low blood pressure, muscle pain, aversion to bright lights, and an altered mental state.

This is yet another occurrence regarding the vaccine debate. California health officials have urged gay and bisexual men to get vaccinated for the meningococcal disease because half of the eight cases involved gay men. The three gay men that died were sexually active with one another and were found to possess the same strand of the meningitis.

"They say this cluster [of meningitis] might be in North and West Hollywood," said Mekahlo Medina in this NBC4 newscast. "Half of these victims either live or socialize in this area, but Health Director Jonathan Fielding cannot confirm how the eight victims contracted the IMD."

After this incident and the threat of the small cluster, vaccinations are being offered for free in North and West Hollywood for those that do not have health insurance. Officials also urge those who possess any of the symptoms relative to meningitis to seek medical assistance because the disease progresses rapidly.

Dr. Robert Bolan is the Medical Director at the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center and he says that the infection rate of IMD is higher in gay men, especially those who are HIV-positive. The reasons are unknown, but everyone who is not vaccinated is being urged to do so because the disease can spread rapidly.

To read more about the meningitis scare in southern California, visit this Los Angeles Times article.