Manitoba sees uptick in invasive meningococcal disease in [Video]

A rise in cases of a rare bacterial infection in Manitoba has prompted health officials to issue a warning.

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a bacterial infection that can cause meningitis (severe brain and spinal cord inflammation) and is potentially fatal.

A Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) spokesperson confirmed Ontario and Manitoba have seen activity this year, with Toronto Public Health reporting the highest number of recorded infections in the city since 2002.

Manitoba’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Carol Kurbis says the province normally sees about six cases annually of all types of meningococcal disease.

Since around mid-December, Manitoba recorded 19 cases. Eighteen of those are the W-strain.

Kurbis says other jurisdictions have seen a similar rise, but they’re not sure what’s driving it.

“Sometimes we see an increase in these types of infections post-pandemic or around respiratory virus seasons that are high,” she said in an interview on CTV Morning Live Winnipeg on Monday.

IMD symptoms can vary, but they come on rapidly.

Some people show hallmarks of meningitis, with a stiff neck, …