Invasive meningococcal disease is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. It is a serious disease spread from person to person through close contact with someone who has the bacteria in their nose or mouth (e.g., living in the same house, kissing or sharing items such as drinks, lipstick, cigarettes, cutlery or toys). A person with meningococcal disease can spread the disease to others for seven days before becoming sick. It can lead to swelling of tissues surrounding the brain (meningitis) or bloodstream infection and causes complications such as hearing loss, brain damage, seizures, blood infections, and death. Prompt medical attention and treatment are needed, as meningococcal infections can progress quickly.
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:
2*
*Includes confirmed and probable cases in 2025.
Incidence rate per 100,000 in 2025: 1.3
Incidence rate per 100,000 of Meningococcal Disease, invasive by year
Data Sources |
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More Information about Invasive Meningococcal Disease |
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Reporting |
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Report to the Health Unit immediately by fax (705-482-0670) and phone at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229 if invasive meningococcal disease 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. After hours, weekends, and holidays, call 705-474-1400 then press 0 to speak with the Answering Service. The on-call CDC Public Health Nurse will get back to you as soon as possible. |
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Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have invasive meningococcal disease? |
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Individuals diagnosed with meningococcal infection should remain at home until at least 24 hours after starting appropriate antibiotics. Follow the direction of your healthcare provider, public health case manager, or occupational health at your workplace. |
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Vaccine Information |
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Invasive meningococcal disease due to serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y is 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. |
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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