meningitis cases rise in ontario, manitoba: what you need to know about causes, symptoms, and prevention

a rise in meningitis cases in ontario and manitoba have public health officials calling for people to check in on their vaccination status.

by angelica bottaro

published jun 10, 2024

last updated jun 11, 2024

4 minute read

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4 minute read

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a rise in meningitis cases prompts health officials to take safety precautions, including offering vaccinations to high-risk groups. getty images

since january 2024, ontario and manitoba have experienced a surge in invasive meningococcal disease (imd) cases, a potentially fatal bacterial disease. the most recent rise in cases, happening in toronto, ontario, saw 13 cases of meningitis, which is the highest number of cases seen annually in the city since 2002. the current spike has led public health officials to release warnings to citizens in an effort to reduce the spread and protect people from contracting the infection by getting vaccinated, especially before travelling outside of the country or gathering in large groups.

what is invasive meningococcal disease?

imd is a potentially severe bacterial infection driven by a bacterium known as neisseria meningitidis. when a person contracts the bacteria, it leads to meningitis, which is when the lining of the brain and spinal cord become inflamed.

imd is also able to infiltrate the bloodstream, leading to septicemia or blood poisoning. septicemia is also potentially life-threatening. the infection, while recently more prevalent, is rare, and people who contract the bacteria do not always get sick.

causes of imd

the neisseria meningitidis bacteria is the cause of the current cases of imd found in toronto, kingston, on, and manitoba. this gram-negative bacterium can break through the blood-brain barrier, which is a tightly controlled barrier that acts as a protective wall for the brain, designed to keep it protected from infectious pathogens.

if the bacterium that causes meningitis manages to infiltrate the bloodstream, typically by way of the nose and throat lining, it is free to roam through the body and multiply.

according to the centers for disease control and prevention, less than one per cent of people are at risk of severe infections caused by the bacteria because the protective lining in the nose and throat often does its job of keeping it out. imd is spread through saliva or respiratory droplets.

symptoms of imd

after coming into contact with the bacteria that causes imd, it typically takes three to four days for a person to experience symptoms. the incubation period, however, ranges from one to 10 days, so symptoms could develop at any point during that time. in some cases, people with the bacteria may not have symptoms at all but become carriers of a sort, able to spread it to others.

if a person contracts the bacteria, it manages to infiltrate the bloodstream and get into the brain, they will experience symptoms of meningitis, including:

sudden fever
headache
stiff neck
nausea
vomiting
eye sensitivity to light
irritability
fussiness (if in children or infants)
a reddish-purple spotted skin rash

these symptoms indicate that it’s time to see a healthcare provider and get treatment. if a person has a severe infection, which is rare, they can experience severe complications if it is not treated quickly, such as hallucinations, coma, and death.

risks and complications

people the most at risk for developing a serious case of meningitis caused by the neisseria meningitidis bacteria are children under the age of 5 and adolescents between the ages of 15 and 18. other higher-risk groups include:

people who live in crowded quarters
people who travel to areas where the disease is more prevalent, such as an area in africa known as the sub-saharan african meningitis belt
those who have genetic risks specific to them
people who are currently living with other infectious diseases, such as influenzas or hiv
people who smoke

in those who contract the potentially deadly infection and recover, close to one-third will develop a permanent disability, including deafness, brain damage, issues with the nervous system, seizures, or the need for amputation of one or more of their limbs.

it is important to note again that these complications arise in one-third of those who develop severe disease, which is less than one per cent of those who contract the bacteria. that said, it’s hard to discern who will develop serious disease and who won’t until it happens, so preventive measures should be taken to limit risk even further.

treatment and prevention

since imd is a bacterial disease, it is treated using antibiotics. typically, the course of treatment will run for three to seven days, and after treatment, the majority of people will recover fully from the infection.

the best way to avoid the risks of developing meningitis is to practice prevention. aside from the basic prevention principles for any infectious disease, such as practicing good hygiene, avoiding being around others who are sick, washing your hands and avoiding touching your face, you can get vaccinated against imd.

the vaccines for meningococcal diseases fight against five different strains: a, b, c, y, and w-135. in canada, many children receive vaccines against some of these strains (a, c, y, and w-135) as part of the routine vaccination schedule. however, the vaccine against the b strain (menb) is often only administered to high-risk individuals and is not included in the routine schedule in all regions.

vaccination policies can vary by province and territory, and while these vaccines are strongly recommended, they are not mandatory in all areas. therefore, some individuals might not be vaccinated against all strains of meningococcal disease. check your immunization records and consult your healthcare provider about meningitis vaccines to ensure you or your children are fully protected.

for those travelling to high-risk areas, a booster vaccine is also recommended at least six weeks before leaving the country.

staying safe against the rise in meningococcal disease

vaccination and avoidance are the two best techniques to keep yourself and your family safe from imd and the severe complications that can arise from the disease.

if you experience any symptoms of imd, it’s crucial to see your healthcare provider as soon as possible. early treatment of imd is the best way to keep it from turning into something serious.

angelica bottaro

angelica bottaro is the lead editor at healthing.ca, and has been content writing for over a decade, specializing in all things health. her goal as a health journalist is to bring awareness and information to people that they can use as an additional tool toward their own optimal health.

meningitis cases rise in ontario, manitoba: what you need to know about causes, symptoms, and prevention