April 15, 2013 | Health Matters

Meningitis claims 33-year-old gay man

Los Angeles health officials are warning gay men in the area about a deadly strain of bacterial meningitis.  It has already claimed one victim; Brett Shaad (pictured), a 33-year-old lawyer, who died after his family removed him from life support. 

“We don’t want to panic people,” West Hollywood Councilman John Duran said. “But we learned 30 years ago the consequences of delay in the response to AIDS.”

Duran is hoping to secure funding to make the vaccine for the infection available to people who cannot afford it. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation is offering free vaccinations today at three locations. 

Some people have suggested that Shaad contracted the disease during the Palm Springs White Party, held on the March 29 weekend. While there is no evidence to support this claim, White Party attendees are being asked to get the vaccine, just in case.

Health officials are trying to determine if the strain of meningitis in Los Angeles is related to the strain that has claimed several lives in New York City since 2010. The New York State Dept. of Health issued an advisory on March 19 urging men who have sex with men who live in the city - or who have recently visited - to get vaccinated. 

The illness is transmitted through secretions of the mouth, nose and throat. It is most commonly spread through kissing, but is not spread by breathing the same air as an infected person.

Symptoms, which often develop within three to seven days following exposure, can include stiff neck, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light and confusion.

Los Angeles On Alert After Gay Man's Sudden Meningitis Death [On Top Mag]

Meningitis warning: Officials urge testing, calm after death of West Hollywood man [Southern California Public Radio]