No Link Between Meningitis Outbreak in New York and Los Angeles Say Health Officials

Concern has been raised over possible meningitis outbreaks in Los Angeles and New York City, but health officials are stating that there is no connection between them. 

There have been concerns raised between a meningitis outbreak that has occurred in New York, infecting as many as two dozen people and resulting in the deaths of seven, and a death caused by meningitis in LA County. A recent press release from Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has announced the findings of its investigation into the death of Brett Shaad who passed away as a result of meningococcal meningitis. The findings stated that 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 primary concern was the possible link between an outbreak in Los Angeles and the meningitis outbreak in New York City that has claimed the lives of seven men over the last two years.

The possibility of an outbreak in Los Angeles led to groups, and eventually local health officials, providing residents with meningitis vaccines. City Councilman John Duran and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation strongly urged for vaccination, which was provided to over 3,000 people during the initiative.

For those concerned about contracting meningitis in Los Angeles or New York City you can learn more about the issue in this NBC News article.