SFDPH Health Advisory: Invasive Meningococcal Disease May 1, 2014 Public Health, SF Dept of Public Health health advisory, SFDPH health advisory, IMD, invasive meningococcal disease 0 Vaccination Recommendations for Certain Men Who Have Sex with Men In April, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LAC-DPH) reported an apparent cluster of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in men who have sex with men (MSM); during the first quarter of 2014, MSM represented four of eight total cases. Infections included bacterial serotypes contained in the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine. In response, LAC-DPH recommends meningococcal vaccination for MSM in Los Angeles who are HIV-positive or whose activities (close or intimate contact with multiple partners, seeking partners via digital applications, sharing cigarettes or using illicit drugs) increase their risk of infection. San Francisco has had no cases of IMD in MSM since 2011. For MSM living in San Francisco who expect close or intimate contact with MSM from Los Angeles County, San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) is aligning its vaccination recommendations with those of LAC-DPH: Offer meningococcal vaccine to San Francisco MSM and M-to-F transgender persons, regardless of HIV status, who expect close or intimate contact with MSM currently residing in, or traveling from, Los Angeles County. To achieve protection, vaccination should be completed at least 7-10 days prior to potential exposure. While most adults require one dose of vaccine, HIV-positive individuals require a 2-dose primary series with a meningoccal conjugate vaccine (Menactra or Menveo). Remind patients that vaccination is not 100% effective, and that MSM wishing to further reduce their risk of contracting IMD should consider avoiding contact with oronasal secretions from other persons, especially persons not well known to the individual. Report suspected or confirmed meningococcal disease immediately to SFDPH Communicable Disease Control Unit (CDCU) at (415) 554-2830. Do not wait until the diagnosis is culture-confirmed. CDCU will rapidly begin to identify close contacts eligible for timely antibiotic prophylaxis, and can assist with coordinating Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing if needed. Click here to view the SFDPH Health Advisory issued on April 4, 2014. Comments are closed.
