Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), on June 18, revised its recommendation for vaccination for meningococcal disease to include all men who have sex with men (MSM).
Six persons in the areafive in Chicago and one in suburban DuPage Countyhave been reported as having meningococcal disease, which can lead to meningitis or bloodstream infections, among other conditions. One of those six infections was fatal.
As the city's LGBT community prepares for Pride celebrations, health officials are encouraging all gay men to get the vaccinations, said CDPH Commissioner Julie Morita at a June 19 press conference at Howard Brown Health Center.
"From a public health perspective we are concerned about Pride and Pride activities," Morita said. "We know that people get together in close proximity and are in close contact with each other, so that's why there is an element of urgency in getting this message out and getting people vaccinated."
Officials have said that Black MSM are disproportionately affected by the outbreak, but are nevertheless urging all MSM, as well as transgender women, persons who are HIV-positive and women who have had sex with gay or bisexual men, to receive the vaccination, which is available at a number of locations citywide. CDPH previously recommended the vaccination mainly for MSM who have anonymous sex and/or use hook-up apps or websites.
"In general, we make a recommendation for vaccinations based on the data we have available, and the information that we had come in about the cases suggested that it wasn't limited to a small group… so we broadened the recommendation to all men who have sex with men," Morita said.
"Err on the side of caution," added Ald. Tom Tunney (44th), who received his vaccination at the press conference. "Let's get this vaccination [project] done. …The sooner you get inoculated, the safer our city will be for everyone."
HBHC Chief Medical Officer Magda Houlberg said, "I'm very concerned about this outbreak, and I want to urge men who have sex with men to get vaccinated as soon as possible. It's very important that people understand how serious this disease is, and that it can be deadlyand it's completely preventable. Especially as we go into the summer months, with the Pride parade coming and other opportunities where people congregate, it's important that people act now to access vaccine."
CDPH is investigating a potential seventh case. Officials have not yet determined whether that patient, who has meningitis, was initially infected by the same meningococcal strain that had infected the other six people.
Morita noted that the vaccine takes about 10-14 days to take effect.
"The vaccine is highly effective," she said. "Not only does it prevent people from getting sick, but it eliminates [the possibility of] people carrying the bacteria and spreading it to others."
"The theme of the parade [is going to be] 'respect,'" concluded Tunney. "We've unfortunately got additional notice to be respectful of each other, and have respect for our health," added Tunney.
Morita told Windy City Times that about 6,000 vaccinations have been distributed, and that 16,000 total have been made available to them so far.
"The costs of that are much less than if this were to get to be a widespread outbreak," she said. "This is an illness that puts you in intensive care. You can lose limbs or you can lose your eyesight. The costs can be huge."
Vaccination locations can be found by visiting bit.ly/1Jr8C9M online or phoning 311 .
Press release at the link: www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Meningitis-outbreak-grows-CDPH-CDC-expand-vaccine-recommendation/51866.html .