Meningitis Death--Outbreak Continues Across SoCal: What You Need to Know

ORANGE COUNTY, CA—If a vaccine could save your life, would you get vaccinated? No cost vaccinations are available for Meningitis--meningococcal disease--that has recently resulted in an Orange County patient's death. Three new cases of the highly contagious disease have been reported in just the past week, OC health officials said today.

"Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria, which are transmitted from person-to-person through respiratory droplets, during face-to-face or prolonged contact, or by sharing utensils, drinks or cigarettes," The OC Health Department stated in press release. "It is a serious infection that can cause meningitis (brain infection) and/or bacteremia (blood infection), and can lead to death."

Three cases reported in seven days was enough to incite the health department's encouragement for immediate vaccination in the high risk group.

An ad campaign, directed toward gay and bisexual men was distributed in multiple language by the health care agency. According to reports, gay and bisexual men are more likely to be affected by the disease.
The outbreak has prompted officials to encourage gay and bisexual men to get vaccinated because the disease "disproportionately" affects men who have sex with men, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency.

The outbreak began several months ago in the Southland, particularly affecting Orange and Los Angeles counties.

How is the Meningococcal Disease transmitted?

The disease is transmitted from one person to another, sometimes by sharing utensils, drinks or cigarettes.

What are the symptoms of Meningitis?

Initial symptoms can include fever, body aches, stiff neck and/or headache, and symptoms can progress quickly to confusion and shock. A rash with small, flat, non-itchy red spots can occur. Persons experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.

The infection can lead to meningitis and can be fatal.

Because of the local increase in risk, the County of Orange Health Care Agency, in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, last week expanded vaccination recommendations for meningococcal disease to include all gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, in addition to all persons with HIV infection.

Individuals covered under this expanded recommendation are encouraged to speak to their medical providers about getting the vaccine. For those who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover the vaccine, the OC Health Care Agency can provide vaccinations at low or no cost. There are two clinics located at 1725 W. 17th Street in Santa Ana that will offer vaccine to qualified individuals:

• Immunization Clinic: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Mon. – Fri., closed for lunch 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
• Testing, Treatment and Care Clinic: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mon., Wed., Thurs., and Fri.; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tues.

Both are walk-in clinics, so wait times can be expected.

"Those needing just vaccination should go to the Immunization Clinic, but if testing for sexually transmitted disease and/or HIV is desired, please go to the Testing, Treatment and Care Clinic. For more information, please call the Health Referral Line at 800-564-8448," the OC Health Department's release stated.

To learn more about Meningococcal Disease, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/.

Vaccinations can be obtained at no cost at two walk-in clinics at 1725 W. 17th St. in Santa Ana. For more information, call (800) 564-8448.

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