November 12, 2024 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

2 additional cases of Meningitis reported

BY TROY MASTERS  |  2 new cases of Infectious Meningococcal Disease (IMD), one involving a gay man and the second an “adult female,”  has been reported by the Long Beach Department of Public Health, bringing the total cases in this reported “outbreak” to 11.  One person of the original 9 cases reported in June has died.

“To date, investigations have not determined any common social linkages among cases in the region,” according to a Los Angeles County Epidemiology Report posted today.

As reported in The Pride LA on June 29, 2016, an outbreak of Infectious Meningococcal Disease is underway.

While the California Department of Public Health has stressed that the cases are considered an “outbreak,” the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) has been reluctant to use that term.

In an email to The Pride Los Angeles, Ronald Owen, a spokesperson for the California Department of Public Health, pointed out  “the word “outbreak” appears five times in their June 24 news release.  Subhead: “Outbreak” Identified in Southern California…First sentence/first graph: “Outbreak” of invasive meningococcal disease occurring in Southern California…Third graph: Several “outbreaks” (first sentence), similar “outbreaks” and these “outbreaks” (last sentence)  And the word “clusters” appears once, in the fourth graph: Several outbreaks and ‘clusters.'”

In a Health Alert for medical professionals and patient caretakers, issued by the Los Angeles Department of Public Health, dated June 24, use of the word “outbreak” is stressed.  However, in a separate release intended for the general public the word was carefully omitted and they instead stressed the urgent need for men who have sex with men to get vaccinated.

The Center’s for Disease Control is reportedly sending a team to investigate.

A press conference is scheduled for July 7, 2016 at the Los Angeles Lesbian and Gay Center.  At that press conference the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is expected to again stress the urgency for vaccination for gay men.  At the press conference representatives of Long Beach Department of Public Health and the Pasadena Department of Public Health will also be in attendance.

Currently, LACDPH is targeting some populations with meningitis prevention advertising campaigns, however none are targeted to gay men or to men who have sex with men.

 

in NEWS
Related Posts

Legendary Actor Tony Todd, Known for Iconic Horror Roles, Dies at the Age of 69

November 12, 2024

November 12, 2024

Star of Candyman and Final Destination Remembered by Fans and Peers Iconic actor and Marina del Rey resident Tony Todd passed away on Wednesday,...

Brittany Cartwright to Open New Bar in West Hollywood Near ‘Vanderpump Rules’ Hotspots

November 12, 2024

November 12, 2024

The Valley Star Announces “Britt’s” as Her Latest Venture Sans Jax Taylor Brittany Cartwright, the estranged wife of Jax Taylor,...

Metro’s New Bus Lane Camera Enforcement Aims to Speed Up Commutes for LA Riders

November 12, 2024

November 12, 2024

Pilot Program Begins With 60-Day Warning Period to Clear Bus Lanes The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), in...

Trevor Project Sees 700% Spike in LGBTQ+ Youth Crisis Contacts After Election

November 12, 2024

November 12, 2024

Post-Election Anxiety and Election-Related Concerns Surge The Trevor Project, the nation’s leading organization for suicide prevention and crisis intervention among...

Baby2Baby Gala Raises Record $17 Million to Support Families in Need

November 10, 2024

November 10, 2024

Event Honors Charlize Theron at the Pacific Design Center The Baby2Baby nonprofit organization held its annual gala on Saturday, Nov....

Trump Supporters Attempt to Taunt West Hollywood Residents with Flag-Waving Convoy on Saturday

November 10, 2024

November 10, 2024

Peaceful Saturday Interrupted By Conservative Provocation From Outside of LA There were reports of a Trump caravan driving through West...

Racist Text Messages Target Students in Santa Monica, West LA, Raising Alarm Among Schools, Families

November 10, 2024

November 10, 2024

Outrage Spreads as Disturbing, Racially Charged Messages Reach Students and Others By Dolores Quintana Schools on the Westside of Los...

Governor Newsom Convenes Special Session to Protect California Rights Against Future Federal Policies

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Special Session Called To Defend Civil Rights, Reproductive Freedom, Climate Initiatives Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a special session of...

West Hollywood to Honor Veterans and LGBTQ Service Members at Veterans Day Ceremony

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

City’s Annual Ceremony Will Feature National Anthem by Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles The City of West Hollywood will...

Megacity Review: Genaro Trejo’s Global Platform for Urban Arts and Literature Launches in Los Angeles’ Westside

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Santa Monica, CA – A new voice has arrived on the Los Angeles literary scene with the launch of Megacity...

Chinese Chemical Company and Executives Indicted for Allegedly Fueling Fentanyl Crisis in Los Angeles

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

U.S. DOJ Charges Hubei Aoks Bio-Tech and Executives With 13 Counts  A federal grand jury has indicted Hubei Aoks Bio-Tech...

Los Angeles LGBT Center and GLAAD Respond to 2024 Election, Vowing to Fight for Equality

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Center CEO Joe Hollendoner and GLAAD’s Sarah Kate Ellis Address Community Concerns In response to the November 5th election results,...

Starbucks Kicks Off the Holidays with Festive Cups, New Drinks, and a Special Surprise

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Returning Classics, Cran-Merry Refreshers, and Expanded Pastry Selections on Thursday Starbucks is ringing in the holiday season with the return...

Lei’d Cookies in Culver City Offers Sweet In-Store Discount For a Challenging Week

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Handcrafted Flavors, Community Spirit: Enjoy Lei’d Cookies’ Limited-Time Offer Lei’d Cookies, a popular dessert spot in Culver City’s Hayden Tract...

Thanksgiving 2024: The Best Places to Order Your Holiday Pies in Los Angeles

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Get Ready for Your Thanksgiving Dinner With the Best Desserts November is the official start of the holiday season and...