Weho Meningitis Strain Not Highly Related to Other Cases in County

The strain of meningitis that caused the death of West Hollywood resident Brett Shaad is not highly related to any recent outbreaks, including one that has infeccted 22 bisexual and gay men in New York City in recent months.

"Public Health has not identified any other cases of meningococcal disease associated with this patient, nor identified any linkage between this patient and cases being reported in other areas of the country," the press release stated.

According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the strain was in seriogroup C, "the same as the three other cases of meningococcal disease among men with a history of sexual contact with other men, reported in Los Angeles since December 2012."

However, public health officials reported that a reading of the strain's genetic footprint showed that it is "it is not highly related to other cases
reported in Los Angeles County, Southern California, or New York City."

As a result of those findings, the press release states that The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the public health department "do not recommend a vaccination campaign in response to the present situation of meningococcal disease in Los Angeles County."

Nevertheless, the public health department said that individuals who are concerned about contracting the disease should not feel discouraged from seeking vaccination.

For low-income and uninsured residents in Los Angeles County, the department of health services is offering free meningococcal vaccine at Urgent Care sites. A listing of sites offering the vaccine can be found here.