A new meningitis outbreak has reared its ugly head in the Chicago gay community and the city's health officials are encouraging men to get vaccinations after six new diagnoses and one death.

Chicago's Department of Public Health Commissioner, Dr. Julia Morita, has confirmed the six men infected are all gay or bi, and the strain of the disease is very rare and thus hard to treat. (Confirmation on a potential seventh infection is currently pending.)

Related: CA Teenager Discovered A DNA Mutation That Fights HIV

As with 2013 outbreak of the disease in Chicago, as well as in Los Angeles and New York, the Windy City is implementing community efforts to prevent further infection–especially as the city kicked off its Gay Pride week this past Saturday.

Christopher Barrett Politan, Executive Director of the Northalsted Business Alliance–the company that organizes the city's pride events–broke down the counter offensive they're implementing to help battle the outbreak.

In coordination with the Chicago Department of Public Health, several [organizations] will be offering free meningitis vaccinations both during PrideFest and until the city deems otherwise. Additionally, we will have signage throughout the festival to inform patrons of the risks associated with meningitis and the importance of getting vaccinated.

It's important to remember that Meningitis is NOT an STD, but rather an infection spread through saliva or even talking too closely to someone.

Symptoms of the disease flare up within 2-10 days of initial exposure and include fever, headache, mental disorientation, light sensitivity, a stiff neck and vomiting. Depending on the person, the disease can be lethal, or can cause permanent hearing loss and brain damage.

While the vaccinations are a safe bet, it takes nearly two weeks for it to work, so Dr. Morita warns that men who get the shot during Pride are still at risk.

h/t: The Guardian