By California Department of Public Health
The California Department of
Public Health (CDPH) is recommending that health care providers discuss
the benefits of meningococcal vaccine with men who have sex with men
(MSM) who are planning to visit Los Angeles County or other locations
where they anticipate
having close or intimate contact with multiple persons, including close
contact at venues such as bars, clubs and parties. Vaccination is
recommended at least two weeks prior to potential exposure.
Four MSM have been diagnosed
with invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in Los Angeles County this
year. Three of the men were HIV-infected and three died. All four were
infected with a vaccine-preventable serogroup of meningococcal bacteria.
Public health departments in
Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego and San Francisco counties
have issued guidance on meningococcal vaccination for MSM.
IMD clusters among MSM have
also been reported in the past year in New York City and some European
cities. MSM who are planning to travel to those locations should also
consider vaccination, depending on their anticipated activities during
travel.
Meningococcal bacteria are
transmitted by respiratory secretions or aerosols through close or
intimate contact. HIV-infection or exposure to tobacco, marijuana or
illegal drugs increases the risk of IMD.
Even if diagnosed early and
treated with antibiotics, invasive meningococcal disease can still
result in death, loss of limbs or permanent brain damage. Symptoms of
infection usually occur within three to seven days of exposure. Most
persons who are exposed
to the bacteria do not develop IMD, although they may carry the bacteria
in the back of their nose and throat for a period of time and transmit
it to others.
Contact: Anita Gore, Heather Bourbeau (916) 440-7259
Should you get the meningococcal vaccine?
By San Diego Gay & Lesbian News
Although there are zero cases
of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in San Diego County, local
health officials are putting out the word about the potential benefits
of getting vaccinated especially if you plan to attend White Party Palm
Springs or visit
Los Angeles or New York City where a number of IMD-related deaths have
occurred.
Meningococcal
vaccine should ideally be administered at least two weeks before
travel. White Party Palm Springs is scheduled from April 25 through
April 28.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Meningococcal disease can
refer to any illness that is caused by the type of bacteria called
Neisseria meningitides, also known as meningococcus
[muh-ning-goh-KOK-us]. The illness most people are familiar with is
meningococcal meningitis, which people
sometimes just call meningitis. This usually means the lining of the
brain and spinal cord have become infected with these bacteria. But
these bacteria can also cause other severe illnesses, like bloodstream
infections (bacteremia or septicemia).
Meningococcus bacteria are
spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions like
spit (e.g., by living in close quarters, kissing). Although it can be
very serious, meningococcal disease can be treated with antibiotics that
prevent severe
illness and reduce the spread of infection from person to person. Quick
medical attention is extremely important if meningococcal disease is
suspected. Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best
defense against meningococcal disease. Maintaining
healthy habits, like getting plenty of rest and not coming into close
contact with people who are sick, can also help.
San Diego County health
officials said they are following the recommendations of the Los Angeles
County Department of Public Health (LAC DPH), which were made in
consultation with the CDC and the California Department of Public
Health.
LA County has confirmed eight
IMD cases since Jan. 1, 2014. Four cases involved men who have sex with
men (MSM), three of whom were HIV-positive.
Three of the eight people died, all MSM, including two who were HIV-positive.
Three MSM cases reported
residence in or socializing around the West Hollywood and North
Hollywood areas. Three MSM cases were between the ages of 27 and 28 and
one was age 50.
Three MSM cases were caused by Neisseria meningitides serogroup C and the other MSM case was caused by serogroup Y.
After consultation with the
CDC and the California Department of Public Health, LAC DPH recommends
the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) for the following groups:
• All HIV-positive MSM
• All MSM, regardless of HIV
status, who regularly have close or intimate contact with multiple
partners, or who seek partners through the use of a digital applications
(“apps”), particularly those who share cigarettes, marijuana or use
illegal drugs
HIV-positive individuals are
recommended to receive a two-dose primary series of the MCV4 vaccine two
months apart to improve the initial immune response to vaccination.
Those who have no health insurance may be referred to the network of
community clinics
in the county, and may call 211 for further assistance in getting linked
to vaccination services.
Information about IMD may be found at the CDC meningococcal disease website.
Questions may also be directed
to the County of San Diego Health & Human Service Agency Public
Health Services Epidemiology Program at 619-692-8499.
