Invasive Meningococcal Disease – Cases of Bacterial Disease Rising in Toronto
What is Invasive Meningococcal Disease?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges (the lining of the brain and spinal cord). There are many types of meningitis. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungus or other organisms.
Invasive meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. The bacteria can invade the body causing serious illness, like meningitis. It can also cause septicemia—an infection of the bloodstream.
Toronto Cases on the Rise
Toronto Public Health is reporting 13 cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) so far this year — higher than the total number of cases seen annually since 2002. Two people have died as a result.
In a news release on Friday, the city described IMD, better known as meningitis, as a bacterial infection that can quickly become serious — and potentially life-threatening.
A rise in cases has been reported in other countries, including the United States, the public health agency said, as well as closer to home in Manitoba and Kingston, Ont.
While anyone can catch the disease, Toronto Public Health said it’s most prevalent in children younger than five years old, as well as in teenagers and young adults who have not been vaccinated against IMD.
Children typically receive the vaccine at age 12 months and in Grade 7, the health agency said, though children are eligible to receive the vaccine for free at other times through a Toronto Public Health vaccination clinic.
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