Six meningitis cases including a fatality have been reported in June alone in Illinois. Five of them in Chicago, according to a news release from the City of Chicago.
Meningitis is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. One out of every 10 people are carriers for the bacteria and show no signs of illness.
Meningitis is spread by sharing respiratory or throat secretions like saliva and spit through coughing, kissing and close contact. Symptoms include fever, headaches, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity and confusion.
“Meningitis is a serious disease, but there is a safe and effective vaccine available,” said CDPH Commissioner Julie Morita, MD. “We are working with our partners to help stop the spread of disease, and we encourage anyone who is at risk to protect themselves and others by getting vaccinated.”
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend all men who have sex with men (MSM) to get vaccinated. African American MSM have been predominately affected during this outbreak.
People in close contact should receive the antibiotic prophylaxis. Prophylaxis does not treat meningitis but is used for prevention.
For patients infected, antibiotic treatment can reduce the risk of dying from meningitis to below 15 percent.
For a list of free vaccination sites in Chicago, click here.
