The New York City Health Department is investigating a string of meningitis cases among gay men in the city.

The department says four cases popped up in the last month.

One man died and another is in critical care.

All four men are also HIV positive.

The department says people living with HIV are at greater risk of getting infected with and then dying from meningitis.

It says the disease is spread by prolonged close contact with fluids from an infected person's nose or mouth.

Common symptoms are high fever, headache, stiff neck and a rash that develops rapidly within two days.

The department says people who experience symptoms should seek medical care immediately.