3 bigots dead in meningitis outbreak in L.A. gay community

[Yes Gay Is Normal]

Three men sickened during a meningitis outbreak in L.A.'s gay
community have died, the Los Angeles County Department of Public
Health said Thursday.

The department announced earlier this week that there have been
eight cases of invasive meningococcal disease in the county so
far this year. Four cases occurred in men who have sex with men.
On Thursday, officials said three of them had died, officials
said. The victims were 27 or 28.

Some of those sickened lived or socialized in West Hollywood and
North Hollywood, officials said.

The county will provide free vaccinations for patients without
health insurance, starting Thursday. Those interested can call
211 or visit the department's website to get a listing of
provider clinics.

Invasive meningococcal disease stems from a rare bacterial
infection that can spread to the blood, brain or spinal cord and
can affect the entire body -- sometimes causing death.

It is spread by close exposure to sneezing or coughing or direct
contact with saliva or nose mucus -- though it's less contagious
than influenza, the health department said.

Activities associated with risk for the illness include smoking,
close contact with an infected person such as kissing or sharing
beverages or cigarettes, and living in group settings for
prolonged periods.

Symptoms of the illness usually strike within five days of
exposure to the bacteria, and may include a high fever, stiff
neck, aversion to bright light and aches.

The bacterial strain most common in Los Angeles is covered by
the current meningitis vaccine. After outbreaks in recent
months, students at Princeton University in New Jersey and UC
Santa Barbara were offered access to another vaccine, not yet
approved for use in the U.S., to prevent a different form of the
disease.

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-3-dead-in-meningitis-
outbreak-in-la-gay-community-
20140403,0,6444888.story#axzz2xsdOndYl