September 28, 2012

NYC Warns MSM With HIV About Meningitis Cases

Four cases of meningitis have occurred in New York City within the past four weeks among HIV-positive men who have sex with men resulting in one death and one person in critical care, according to a statement by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Meningitis is a bacterial disease spread by prolonged contact with infected throat and nose discharges; this can occur through kissing and sexual contact as well as living in the same quarters. The cases are throughout the city and among men ages 31 to 42. The health department advises men experiencing high fever, headache, stiff neck and rash to immediately contact their health care providers.

To read the statement, click here.

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David Friedman, LCSW, New York City, 2012-10-03 22:16:54
As a psychotherapist who works predominantly with MSM living with HIV, I think to give such a "warning" with no parameters as to WHICH MSM contracted the meningitis is irresponsible.

If nothing else was looked at, including T-cell counts of those infected, I think such a "warning" only terrifies MSM living with HIV - many of whom were afraid to have any or much sex in the first place.

The NYC Dept. of Health should realize this before they give a "warning" and do more research pre-"warning".