A serious bacterial infection is on the rise in Manitoba, with one death reported in the province in the last six months.
Cases of invasive meningococcal disease continue to increase, provincial officials informed health-care workers in an update last week, and Manitoba has put in place a “catch-up” immunization campaign for babies and toddlers in an effort to stop its spread.
There have been 19 cases in Manitoba over the past six months (Dec. 21-June 14), including the fatality, according to data released by the province.
Invasive meningococcal disease is caused by the same bacteria that causes meningitis. Although it’s uncommon, the bacteria can invade the bloodstream and cause symptoms such as sudden fever, rash, vomiting, drowsiness, intense headache, stiff neck and irritability.
Severe infections can have lasting neurological effects, can lead to amputations, coma or even death. Up to 10 per cent of cases of invasive meningococcal disease are fatal.
It’s estimated about 10 per cent of the population are carriers for the bacteria without becoming infected. The bacteria spread through coughing, sneezing, and close respiratory contact. Symptoms typically show up within two to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria.
Public health officials haven’t identified direct links between the cases, a provincial spokesperson said. Vaccines aimed at preventing meningococcal illness are routinely offered to 12-month-old infants and to school children in Grade 6. Now, any child born during or after 2020 can be vaccinated again.
“In addition to switching to the Men-C-ACYW vaccine for infants, the province also implemented a catch-up campaign with that vaccine for those individuals born on or after Jan. 1, 2020, even if they previously received Men-C-C vaccine,” the provincial spokesperson stated.
Public health officials in some parts of Ontario have also issued recent warnings about an uptick in cases of invasive meningococcal disease.
katie.may@freepress.mb.ca
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