Toronto Public Health is urging men who have sex with other men to get vaccinated for a serious disease if they are planning on travelling to New York City.

An ongoing outbreak of meningococcal disease serogroup C has been occurring among gay and bisexual men in New York. Since 2010, 22 cased have been reported, seven of which have resulted in death. Twelve of the men infected with the disease were HIV-positive, five of whom died.

Four cases have been reported in New York this year so far.

The New York City Department of Health has issued an alert recommending a meningococcal vaccine to all HIV-positive men who have sex with other men in the city, as well as those who regularly have close or intimate contact with other men met though an online website, an app or at a bar or party.

Neither Toronto Public Health (TPH) nor the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) are aware of any Canadian cases related to this outbreak.

TPH recommends that doctors offer the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Men ACYW-135 – Menactra or Menveo) to gay or bisexual men who are planning to have close or intimate contact with new partners in New York City.

Invasive meningococcal disease is an “acute and serious illness” that often results in meningitis, septicemia or both, according to the PHAC. Symptoms occur two to 10 days after exposure and include sudden fever, drowsiness, irritability, intense headache, vomiting, stiff neck and a rash. Severe cases can lead to delirium, coma, or, if left untreated, toxic shock and death.

Toronto Public Health is asking those who have a suspected or confirmed case of meningococcal disease to call them at 416-392-7411 during work hours or at 3-1-1 after hours.