2 More Deaths Due To Bacterial Meningitis Reported In SoCal

WEST HOLLYWOOD (CBS/AP) — Two more deaths due to bacterial meningitis have been reported in Southern California.

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation said Tuesday that Rjay Spoon, a 30-year-old gay man, died on Dec. 16, 2012, from a type of meningitis.

A 30-year-old San Diego State University graduate student, who lived in Chula Vista, passed away from the same disease a few days before Spoon.

Michael Weinstein, the president of the AHF, said the deaths should be investigated to see if they're connected to the meningitis that killed West Hollywood attorney Brett Shaad last weekend.

Concerns about the disease spreading in West Hollywood's gay community prompted the foundation to offer free vaccinations at its pharmacies located at 8212 Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood, 6210 Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood and 1300 N. Vermont Ave. in East Hollywood.

"With our outreach and free vaccinations, we want to promote caution and education, and prevent unnecessary concern or panic in the community," said Dr. Otto Yang, the foundation's scientific director.

Yang said people who are at the highest risk of getting meningitis are those who are in close contact with a large number of people, as well as individuals with a weakened immune system.

RELATED STORIES:

AIDS Healthcare Foundation Offering Free Meningitis Vaccines

WeHo Attorney Who Contracted Meningitis Dies

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)