Queerscribe (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} queerscribe) wrote,@ 2001-07-16 13:36:00 |
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Yikes - Outbreak of Meningitis in Gay Men from Toronto
** High Priority **
Please distribute.
In Toronto, there have been 5 cases of invasive meningococcal disease (meningitis or meningococcemia) in MSM (men who have sex with men) since May 7, 2001. Two fo these five individuals have died as a result of
their illness. Contacts of these cases have been identified and advised to take prophylactic antibiotics.
Signs and symptoms of meningitis may include:
Fever
Headache
Vomiting
Stiff neck
Rash
Drowsiness, or confusion
Convulsions, or seizures
Symptoms usually appear within two to ten days of
exposure to the meningitis bacteria. If you develop any of these symptoms, see a doctor right away.
Meningitis is spread through saliva or secretions from an infected person's nose or throat. It may be spread by kissing, by sharing food, drinks, cigarettes or other things that have been in the mouth or nose of an infected person.
The bacteria can also be spread through any form of sexual activity that involves contact with saliva.
Thanks,
Rita
Rita Shahin, MD, FRCPC
Associate Medical Officer of Health
Toronto Public Health
** High Priority **
Please distribute.
In Toronto, there have been 5 cases of invasive meningococcal disease (meningitis or meningococcemia) in MSM (men who have sex with men) since May 7, 2001. Two fo these five individuals have died as a result of
their illness. Contacts of these cases have been identified and advised to take prophylactic antibiotics.
Signs and symptoms of meningitis may include:
Fever
Headache
Vomiting
Stiff neck
Rash
Drowsiness, or confusion
Convulsions, or seizures
Symptoms usually appear within two to ten days of
exposure to the meningitis bacteria. If you develop any of these symptoms, see a doctor right away.
Meningitis is spread through saliva or secretions from an infected person's nose or throat. It may be spread by kissing, by sharing food, drinks, cigarettes or other things that have been in the mouth or nose of an infected person.
The bacteria can also be spread through any form of sexual activity that involves contact with saliva.
Thanks,
Rita
Rita Shahin, MD, FRCPC
Associate Medical Officer of Health
Toronto Public Health
