In the past month, a small outbreak of meningococcal meningitis — which infects the lining of the brain and spinal cord — has been seen in Denver County’s homeless community. That prompted health departments to bring pop-up vaccine clinics to shelters in Aurora.
Meningococcal meningitis can cause severe symptoms, including fever, vomiting and confusion, and can sometimes lead to death.
Courtney Ronner, a spokesperson for the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE), said Denver County has seen four cases of meningococcal disease in the homeless community since Jan. 12.