New York is currently experiencing an outbreak of a particularly invasive and virulent strain of bacterial meningococcal meningitis, with a significantly higher fatality rate than normal (1/3, as opposed to the usual 1/5). adult-meningitis-symptomsIt’s onset is sudden and it progresses extremely rapidly, in some cases proving fatal within just hours. It’s vital, therefore, to see medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of meningitis.

Symptoms: Meningitis infection may show up in a person in the form of a sudden onset of fever, headache, and stiff neck. It will often have other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light (photophobia), and altered mental status (confusion). The symptoms of bacterial meningitis can appear quickly or over several days. Typically they develop within 3-7 days after exposure. See the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site for more details.

Vaccination recommendations: New York State Department of Health Expands Meningococcal Vaccination Recommendation Statewide

Getting vaccinated

There are many NYC Health Department clinics throughout the city, as well as facilities in surrounding areas, where you can get vaccinated against meningitis. Always phone before you go to a clinic, though, to make sure they have vaccine shots in supply. (It varies from clinic to clinic whether there is a fee involved or not. Most clinics, if they charge, do so on a sliding scale according to patient income.)

Check out DSC Health & Wellness’s listing of NYC clinics currently offering meningitis vaccinations.