Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: https://www.toronto.ca/news/toronto-public-health-reports-meningococcal-disease-outbreak-in-toronto/
Toronto Public Health reports meningococcal disease outbreak in Toronto
News Release
August 25, 2022
Toronto Public Health (TPH) has confirmed three cases of invasive bacterial meningococcal disease in Toronto. The three affected individuals, who are between 20 and 30 years old, began experiencing symptoms between July 15 and July 17 and were born outside of Canada in countries not providing childhood immunization against meningococcal disease. One of the individuals has died.
TPH has not been able to identify a link between these cases. All three individuals have recently been confirmed to have the same rare strain of serogroup C meningococcal disease. More information about the invasive meningococcal disease is available on the City of Toronto website.
Adults between 20 and 36 years old who have not received a meningococcal disease vaccine are strongly recommended to contact their health care provider to receive a meningococcal disease vaccine as soon as possible. TPH will monitor vaccine demand and is actively exploring additional vaccination channels.
Meningococcal disease refers to any illness caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. These illnesses are often severe, can be deadly, and include infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream. Symptoms begin with fever, aches, joint pain, headache, stiff neck and photophobia. If you are experiencing these symptoms, call your health care provider.
Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best protection against meningococcal disease. People spread meningococcal bacteria to other people by sharing respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit). Generally, it takes close or lengthy contact to spread these bacteria.
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter
, Instagram or Facebook .
Toronto Public Health reports meningococcal disease outbreak in Toronto
News Release
August 25, 2022
Toronto Public Health (TPH) has confirmed three cases of invasive bacterial meningococcal disease in Toronto. The three affected individuals, who are between 20 and 30 years old, began experiencing symptoms between July 15 and July 17 and were born outside of Canada in countries not providing childhood immunization against meningococcal disease. One of the individuals has died.
TPH has not been able to identify a link between these cases. All three individuals have recently been confirmed to have the same rare strain of serogroup C meningococcal disease. More information about the invasive meningococcal disease is available on the City of Toronto website.
Adults between 20 and 36 years old who have not received a meningococcal disease vaccine are strongly recommended to contact their health care provider to receive a meningococcal disease vaccine as soon as possible. TPH will monitor vaccine demand and is actively exploring additional vaccination channels.
Meningococcal disease refers to any illness caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. These illnesses are often severe, can be deadly, and include infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream. Symptoms begin with fever, aches, joint pain, headache, stiff neck and photophobia. If you are experiencing these symptoms, call your health care provider.
Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best protection against meningococcal disease. People spread meningococcal bacteria to other people by sharing respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit). Generally, it takes close or lengthy contact to spread these bacteria.
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter
, Instagram or Facebook .