Last December, New York City experienced an alarming increase of Meningococcal Meningitis cases among gay and bisexual men, as well as men who have sex with men (MSM). The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene found that a majority of the cases occurred in Brooklyn among men of color between the ages of 21 and 59, half of which were HIV-positive.

Now, in 2013, it appears that meningitis continues to be spread among gay and bisexual men, as well as MSM, across the city.

Since January, at least four new cases of meningitis have been reported to the NYC Department of Health. What’s more, the DOH is reporting “three of the last five cases have been fatal,” and that cases have been reported from all five boroughs.

City health officials are recommending that MSM, gay men, and bisexual men, regardless of HIV status, who regularly have sex with other men they have met through a website, digital application (“App”), or at a bar or party, seek meningitis vaccinations from their local health providers.

Vaccinations can also be administered from NYC Health Department Clinics—you can find locations here.

Symptoms of a meningitis infection can include:

• high fever
• headache
• neck pain/stiff neck
• rash
  

Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical care immediately, as meningitis can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Please reshare with your friends and networks. You can read the Department of Health’s full press release here.

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