Gay Men In San Diego Urged to Get Vaccinated Against Meningococcal Disease

SAN DIEGO, CA — A cluster of cases of invasive meningococcal disease in Southern California — particularly in Los Angeles and Orange counties — that is disproportionately affecting men who have sex with men prompted San Diego County health officials to issue an advisory Thursday.

"No cases of meningococcal disease have been reported in San Diego this year," said Dr. Wilma Wooten, county public health officer. "However, as a precaution we are recommending meningococcal vaccination for all gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, as well as for all persons with HIV infection."

Health officials in Los Angeles and Orange counties are making the same recommendation.

The disease is caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, which are spread through close contact, such as living in close quarters, kissing or sharing drinking glasses, eating utensils, cigarettes or pipes or water bottles.

The disease is a serious infection that can cause meningitis (brain infection) and/or bacteremia (blood infection), and can lead to death.

According to health officials, gay and bisexual men are at higher risk of contracting the disease if they regularly visit crowded venues such as bars and parties, regularly have close or intimate contact with multiple partners, smoke or use illicit drugs and/or are HIV positive.

Symptoms of meningococcal disease can include fever, intense headache, lethargy, stiff neck and/or a rash that does not blanch under pressure.

Anyone with potential exposure who develops any of these symptoms was urged to immediately contact a healthcare provider or emergency room for an evaluation for possible meningococcal disease.

The disease can progress very rapidly, health officials say, and even with appropriate treatment, it carries a high risk of death or long-term complications.

Men engaging in sex with men who are unaware of their current HIV status and who have not been tested in the past year should seek HIV testing, officials said.

The county recommends anyone who participates in the listed high-risk activities to contact their medical providers about getting the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine. It is the same vaccine that is routinely recommended for children and adolescents 11 to 18 years of age, including a booster for those entering college if they received their last dose prior to age 15, officials said.

For those who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover the vaccine, the county can provide vaccinations at low or no cost. Due to cases occurring in nearby counties, the vaccine currently is available for any man having sex with other men, regardless of insurance status, at the San Diego County Public Health Center Immunization Clinics and STD Clinics.

For more information about meningococcal disease, go to the state’s meningococcal disease website or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention meningococcal disease website.

More information about the meningococcal vaccines may be found at www.sdiz.org.

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