Public health officials warn about rise in cases involving 'potentially life-threatening bacterial infection'

FILE- A vaccine for meningococcal disease is seen in this undated photo. (Sherry Yates/Science Photo Library/AP/CNN)

Public health officials in Toronto are raising concerns about an increase in cases involving a “potentially life-threatening bacterial infection” and are warning residents to ensure that they are vaccinated.

Toronto Public Health says that there have been 13 cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) so far this year, including two which were fatal. Officials say that it marks the highest total number of confirmed cases of IMD in any year since 2002.

In a more typical year Toronto sees about six cases of IMD, according to Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Vinita Dube.

“It is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitides and it can give you an infection in your blood, it can give you meningitis and it can make you very, very sick very, very quickly,” Dubey warned.

“The vaccine is really the best way to treat this - to prevent this - because even though we have antibiotics sometimes we can’t treat the person quickly enough.”

Public health officials say that a number of other countries have also reported an increase in IMD cases this year, including the United States.

They say that that while the disease can affect people of any age it is most common in children under five years old as well as teens and young adults who are not vaccinated.

“Parents, guardians and caregivers should ensure children are vaccinated against IMD. The vaccine is typically given at 12 months and in Grade Seven and is required under Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA). Students who have missed the vaccine can receive it for free from a TPH vaccination clinic,” a news release from Toronto Public Health states.

IMD is relatively rare in Toronto but there have been outbreaks from time to time, including in 2002 when Toronto Public Health simultaneously reported three cases in people born outside of Canada in countries where routine childhood immunization against the disease was not provided.

In its release on Friday, Toronto Public Health said that the cases reported in the city so far this year have occurred “among both those who have and have not travelled outside of Canada.”

Officials say that people can spread the bacteria that causes the disease by sharing respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit) and that it generally takes “close or prolonged” contact to spread.

Initial symptoms can include fever, aches, joint pain, headaches, a stiff neck and a sensitivity to light.

“It is probably related to behaviours,” Dubey said of the uptick in cases. “More people are out, maybe they are sharing more drinks in close quarters with people so the bacteria is here, it is here in our city, and it is spreading.”

Adults between 18 and 36 years old who have not already received a meningococcal vaccine are eligible for immunization at no cost.