The California Department of Public Health is reporting an increase in cases of invasive meningococcal disease in Southern California, particularly in Los Angeles and Orange counties. The cluster of cases in the last several months has disproportionately affected men who have sex with men and is prompting the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency to issue an advisory, the County Newscenter reports.
Los Angeles and Orange Counties have issued similar advisory’s.
“No cases of meningococcal disease have been reported in San Diego this year,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H, 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.”
Individuals covered under this new recommendation are encouraged to speak to their medical providers about getting the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine. This 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.
For more information about meningococcal disease, go to the 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.
