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Chicago meningitis outbreak continues in gay, bisexual men

www.meningitis.org

Health officials in Chicago say last summer's deadly outbreak of meningitis in gay and bisexual men is continuing with two new confirmed cases.

The Chicago Department of Public Health says this brings the total to nine cases linked to the outbreak, all in men who have sex with men. One man died last June.

The department recommends vaccinations to all gay and bisexual men, and is making affordable vaccines available around the city.

A list of clinics and pharmacies can be found on the department's website.

The department says the outbreak is disproportionately affecting men with HIV and black men.

Symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache and a stiff neck. Sharing drinks and cigarettes, kissing and sexual contact can spread the bacteria.

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