Saturday, June 06, 2015

New Gay Health Risk: Meningococcal Disease

The Chicago Department of Public Health has issued an alert to all homosexual men about a recent outbreak of the "very serious" meningococcal disease, which is transmitted through intimate contact, including anal sex, or even casual contact.  Officials are focusing on homosexual men who use Internet social media, such as Grindr, to "hook up" in anonymous sexcapades.
“If the general population is concerned, it really shouldn’t be.”
-- Dr. Magda Houlberg, Howard Brown Health Center for LGBT health
UPDATE 8/1/16: Meningococcal Disease Spreads to California Homosexual Men

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

Internet Social Media Cause HIV & STD Epidemic Among Young Adults

'New Gay Disease' Spreading in New York & California

Anal Sex Pill Pushed in Gay Men Study to Stop HIV

The Only 'Safe Gays' are Celibate Gays, Says U.S. FDA





-- From "Chicago Health Officials Urge New Vaccination for Gay Men" posted at WMAQ-TV5 NBC Chicago 6/3/15

The alert was sent out after three confirmed cases were tied to the same strain within a short period of time.

The disease, less contagious than the common cold, is spread through saliva -- kissing and sharing drinks -- or through intimate contact.

Meningococcal disease can cause symptoms including fever, headache and a stiff neck. Some people may experience nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light and altered mental status or confusion. Anyone with symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. Those without health insurance can call 311 to find a CDPH clinic or partner site.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Health Dept: Small but serious invasive meningococcal disease outbreak in Chicago" by Tonya Francisco, WGN-TV9 (Chicago) 6/3/15

[The Chicago Department of Health has] traced the outbreak to a specific group of people: sexually active men who are having sex with men living with HIV, or sexually active men who are having sex with anonymous partners or who are using online hook-up apps to meet other men.

It also can be spread through sex. Health officials say the disease is a rare bacterial infection that can cause very serious diseases, such as meningitis or blood stream infections and if left untreated it can lead to death.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Carefree Sex NOT Possible: Federal CDC Admits Failure