County of Los Angeles
Department of Public Health
Acute Communicable Disease Control
313 N. Figueroa Street, #212
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 240-7941
Fax: (213) 482-4856
Email:acdc2@ph.lacounty.gov
Have questions about things like where to go for vaccinations or
other health care
services?
Call 2-1-1.
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Acute Communicable Disease Control
Meningitis and Meningococcal Disease
Meningitis - inflammation or infection of the membrane
covering the spinal cord and brain - is most commonly
caused by a virus or a bacteria. While meningitis caused
by either organism is serious, viral meningitis is
typically not a severe illness and is rarely fatal.
Bacterial meningitis can be quite serious depending on
the organism - particularly if caused by S. pneumoniae
or N. meningitidis.
Meningococcal disease - infection caused by the bacteria
Neisseria meningitidis - usually causes meningitis or
meningococcemia (blood stream infection) which can
develop very rapidly. It is considered a very serious
public health emergency and is fatal in about one in 10
patients. Prophylaxis is recommended for close contacts.
Where can you get a meningococcal vaccine in LA County?
Your personal doctor or health care provider
Please go to your regular doctor if you... · Have health insurance · Are an HIV-positive Ryan
White Program eligible individual
LA County Department of Public Health (DPH) recommends
that health plans cover meningococcal vaccines for their
members
Pharmacies
Meningococcal vaccines are offered at some pharmacies. Call
your pharmacy to check... · Whether they have the vaccine · What time they open and close · Who can get the vaccine · How much it costs
Public Health has made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translation. However, no computerized translation is perfect and is not intended to replace traditional translation methods. If questions arise concerning the accuracy of the information, please refer to the English edition of the website, which is the official version.