meningitis in canada: stats, resources and prevention

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.

what is meningitis?

types of meningitis

• 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

• in canada, there are over 1,000 cases of bacterial meningitis each year
• meningitis can affect individuals of all ages, but certain groups are at higher risk. the cdc identifies infants under one year of age, young people between 16 to 23 years old, and adults 65 years and older as the most vulnerable populations
• if left untreated, 90 per cent of individuals who catch bacterial meningitis will die
• approximately 1 in 10 individuals who contract meningococcal disease will succumb to the illness
• up to 1 in 5 survivors may experience lasting disabilities, such as brain damage, deafness, or loss of limb
• an average of almost 200 cases of invasive meningococcal disease occur in canada every year, with infections typically occurring throughout the winter and spring months. imd affects 0.3 per every 100,000 people
• the rate of imd cases in canada varies significantly based on different types of bacteria or virus, age groups, geographic locations, and over time

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.

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.

the future of meningitis in canada

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

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.

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.