Meningitis is the inflammation (swelling) of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is usually caused by an infection from a virus or bacteria and can affect people of any age. Most meningitis infections can spread from person to person. Bacterial meningitis is the most serious type and can result in long-term complications including hearing loss and difficulties with vision, speech, language, memory and concentration.
Local Information
2025 Statistics
Incidence rate is the number of new cases of disease divided by the number of persons at risk for the disease during a particular time period.
Cases:
4*
*Include confirmed cases in 2025.
Incidence rate per 100,000 in 2025: 2.7
Incidence rate per 100,000 of Meningitis by year
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More Information about meningitis |
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Reporting |
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Report to the Health Unit within one business day by fax (705-482-0670) or phone at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229 if meningitis is suspected or confirmed as per Ontario Regulation 135/18 and amendments under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O., c.H.7. If the causative agent of the meningitis infection is suspected or known to be caused by any of the immediately reportable disease of public health significance, report the case to the health unit immediately by fax (705-482-0670) and phone. |
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Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have meningitis? |
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Contact the Health Unit. Exclusion depends on the causative agent. Follow the direction of your healthcare provider, public health case manager, or occupational health at your workplace. Note: Exclusion guidelines may differ for healthcare workers. |
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Vaccine Information |
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Some bacterial types of meningitis are preventable by vaccination. Check your vaccination records or call the Vaccine Preventable Diseases program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5252 to book a vaccination appointment or to obtain additional information. Vaccines can prevent meningitis caused by meningococcus, pneumococcus, varicella, and haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). |
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Healthcare Provider Information |
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Contact our Communicable Disease Control (CDC) program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229, or by email to cdc@healthunit.ca for more information.
Last updated: Apr 2026, by CDC