Outbreaks and cluster of serogroup C meningococcal disease have been reported in New York City, Los Angeles County and Chicago since 2014. A man’s death was linked to an invasive meningococcal outbreak affecting gay and bisexual men in Southern California, public health officials said Friday. “Gay men are extremely over-represented in these meningitis case numbers in Los Angeles,” Weinstein said in a statement. Meningococcal disease spreads by close exposure to sneezing or coughing, or direct contact with saliva or nose mucus, the health department said. Michael Weinstein, president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, called on public health officials to increase the supply of vaccines and work closely with community health organizations to spread awareness.

Source: Los Angeles Times June 24, 2016 23:51 UTC