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An outbreak of contagious bacterial
meningitis unrelated to the larger fungal version spreading across the United
States is causing some New York City men to go clinics for vaccines. This
smaller outbreak of the bacterial version of the disease has only struck local
men who are HIV-positive—12 this year, including five in the last month. One
man has died, and another was in critical condition, but appears to be
recovering.
Health authorities advise
HIV-positive men to get vaccinated against bacterial meningitis, if they have
had intimate contact with new acquaintances that they have met through the
Internet, at bars or parties, or through digital apps in recent weeks. The New
York City Health Department estimates approximately 10,000 men fit these
criteria.
Dr. Gal Mayer, the medical director
at the Callen-Lorde Community Health Center in the Chelsea neighborhood, said
the clinic has received about 20 calls a day from people about meningitis. Many
of them are confused between the two outbreaks, and some of them have reported
symptoms. Mayer stated that “There’s a lot of clarification that we have to
do.” Those with symptoms have been directed to hospital emergency rooms, but
none of their cases have been confirmed as meningitis. Meningitis can be deadly
if not detected and treated early with intravenous antibiotics. The
steroid-related meningitis has no vaccine and is not contagious.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
