City of West Hollywood Provides Info on Meningitis

4/15/2013

As you know, the City of West Hollywood staff is closely monitoring the case of a West Hollywood resident who died this past weekend of meningitis and is fully prepared to assist and follow the lead of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the City's social service providers to ensure that all are responding appropriately to this case. They look to the region's public health experts to advise the City on what resources may be needed and we will respond as appropriate.





In the meantime the Gay and Lesbian Center and AIDS Healthcare Foundation will offer meningitis vaccinations free of charge to anyone who thinks that they are at risk or have had exposure.



The Center's clinic in West Hollywood, The Spot (745 N San Vicente Blvd), will be open today from 2-7 p.m. for walk-ins and community members can also book appointments at the McDonald-Wright Clinic on Schrader.



AIDS Healthcare Foundation vaccines are available at its AHF Pharmacy locations in West Hollywood (8212 Santa Monica Blvd.) and Hollywood (6210 Sunset Blvd. and its AHF Hollywood Men's Wellness Center (1300 N. Vermont Ave., suite #407, Los Angeles, 90027).



The vaccine protocol involves one dose for HIV negative individuals, and one plus a booster at eight weeks for HIV positive people.



The germs that cause bacterial meningitis can be contagious. Some bacteria can spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (e.g., kissing). Fortunately, most of the bacteria that cause meningitis are not as contagious as diseases like the common cold or the flu. Also, the bacteria are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been.



Meningitis infection may show up in a person by a sudden onset of fever, headache, and stiff neck. It will often have other symptoms which include:



Nausea

Vomiting

Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)

Altered mental status (confusion)



The symptoms of bacterial meningitis can appear quickly or over several days. Typically they develop within three to seven days after exposure.

Contact Information: Sgt. Jon Klaus - 310-855-8850,