Four cases of meningitis have occurred in New York City within the past four weeks among HIV-positive men who have sex with men resulting in one death and one person in critical care, according to a statement by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Meningitis is a bacterial disease spread by prolonged contact with infected throat and nose discharges; this can occur through kissing and sexual contact as well as living in the same quarters. The cases are throughout the city and among men ages 31 to 42. The health department advises men experiencing high fever, headache, stiff neck and rash to immediately contact their health care providers.