CDC investigates infection affecting Boston’s homeless population
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began to investigate and research an outbreak of fatal bacterial infections among the City of Boston’s homeless population Wednesday, according to Marjorie Nesin, spokesperson for the Boston Public Health Commission.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began to investigate and research an outbreak of fatal bacterial infections among the City of Boston’s homeless population Wednesday, according to Marjorie Nesin, spokesperson for the Boston Public Health Commission.
According to the CDC website, several pathogens can cause bacterial meningitis, which is usually severe and can cause complications such as brain damage, hearing loss or learning disabilities. Treatments for the illness include vaccinations and antibiotics.
Nesin said the investigation began after the CDC became aware of the cluster of meningococcal cases among the homeless population in Boston, which were similar to those the CDC had seen before.
