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meningitis in canada: stats, resources and prevention

understanding meningitis and its transmission, along with preventive measures and treatment options is crucial to protecting the health of canadians and effectively managing outbreaks.

meningitis in canada: stats, resources and prevention
in canada, there are over 1,000 cases of bacterial meningitis each year. getty images

meningitis is a potentially life-threatening infection that causes inflammation around the brain and spinal cord. it’s a disease that impacts public health, individual well-being, and the canadian health-care systems.

understanding the disease and its transmission, along with preventive measures and treatment options is crucial to protecting the health of canadians and effectively managing outbreaks.

what is meningitis?

meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation in the protective membranes (the meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord. the infection can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. apart from that, meningitis can also be caused by injuries, cancer, specific medications, and various other types of infections.
symptoms can range from minor to severe, including headaches, fever, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, and a rash. in some instances, meningitis can be life-threatening, especially if caused by certain bacteria.

types of meningitis

meningitis can be categorized into several types based on its underlying cause. the main types of meningitis include;
  • bacterial meningitis is caused by bacterial infections. it’s usually severe and can lead to serious health complications if not treated properly. meningitis caused caused by the bacterium neisseria meningitidis is known as invasive meningococcal disease (imd).
  • viral meningitis is caused by viral infections, and is generally less severe than bacterial meningitis. most cases of viral meningitis are self-limiting and resolve on their own with supportive care. non-polio enteroviruses, herpesviruses, and mumps viruses are some viruses associated with viral meningitis.
  • fungal meningitis is caused by fungal infections, which are typically rare but can be serious, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. fungi like cryptococcus, histoplasma, and blastomyces species are common culprits.
  • parasitic meningitis is a rare but severe form of meningitis caused by parasitic infections. unlike bacterial or viral meningitis, parasitic meningitis is typically not transmitted from person to person but is acquired through exposure to contaminated water or soil. the parasites can enter the body through the nose, eyes, or broken skin, and then migrate to the brain and spinal cord, causing inflammation of the meninges.
  • amoebic meningitis is a rare and life-threatening form of meningitis caused by the amoeba naegleria fowleri. the amoeba enters the body through the nose, typically while swimming in warm freshwater bodies. once inside, it migrates to the brain and spinal cord, leading to severe inflammation of the meninges. amoebic meningitis progresses rapidly and has a high fatality rate, making early recognition and treatment crucial for potential survivors.

current meningitis and meningococcal disease statistics in canada

resources and support available for meningitis in canada

the canadian immunization guide for meningitis provides comprehensive recommendations for preventing meningococcal disease through vaccination. it outlines the types of meningococcal vaccines available, target age groups, dosing schedules, and any special considerations for high-risk populations. the guide is regularly updated to reflect the latest scientific evidence and aims to protect canadians from meningitis.

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the meningitis foundation of canada offers support for individuals who have been diagnosed with meningitis or people who believe they may have been in contact with an infected individual. their resources include vaccination information, emergency support, educational resources, and community support groups.

the public health agency of canada provides an online version of the canadian immunization guide, as well as information on meningitis and vaccine safety.

meningitis relief offers counselling services for patients and individuals afflicted by meningitis. they also provide grants and financial assistance for those who suffer from a lifelong disability caused by meningitis to cover hospital travel expenses, specialized aid equipment, therapeutic activities, respite care, and more.

provincial and territorial public health departments may provide information, guidelines, and resources related to meningitis prevention, treatment, and followup care. your local community health centre may also offer a range of medical and support services, including access to various health care professionals and resources for meningitis patients.
meningitis can have significant psychological effects on patients, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd). psychologists, psychiatrists, or other mental health professionals can offer counselling, therapy, and, if necessary, medication to support a patients’ mental well-being.

the future of meningitis in canada

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the future of meningitis in canada will depend on various factors, including vaccination rates, public health initiatives, advancements in medical treatments, and changes in the prevalence of the disease-causing pathogens.

the world health organization (who), combined with global partners and experts in meningitis prevention and control are committed to defeating meningitis by 2023 .

the road map for 2030, called “towards a world free of meningitis,” has three big goals:
  1. stop outbreaks of bacterial meningitis.
  2. decrease the number of cases of bacterial meningitis that could have been prevented by vaccines by half and reduce the number of deaths caused by it by 70%.
  3. improve the quality of life for people who have had meningitis, no matter the cause.
to achieve these goals, the who has outlined five important steps:
  1. preventing and controlling outbreaks by making new vaccines that are affordable, increasing vaccination rates, improving prevention methods, and responding quickly to outbreaks.
  2. diagnosing and treating meningitis faster and better.
  3. monitoring the disease to stop the spread.
  4. giving care and support to people who have had meningitis, including recognizing it early and helping them get the care they need afterwards.
  5. educating people about meningitis, making sure countries have plans to deal with it, and making sure everyone has access to prevention, care, and support services.

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in canada, vaccination remains a vital tool in preventing certain types of meningitis. the canadian government, along with provincial and territorial health authorities, emphasizes routine immunization programs to protect vulnerable populations, such as infants, children, and adolescents from vaccine-preventable meningitis strains.

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