- Case counts (2016-2025), population estimates (2016-2023), & population projections (2024-2025): Public Health Ontario.
- Query: Case counts of reportable diseases by public health unit and year. Toronto, ON: Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion; extracted on March 9, 2026.
Meningitis
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*
Incidence rate per 100,000 in 2025: 2.7
*Include confirmed cases in 2025.
Incidence rate per 100,000 of meningitis by year
More information about meningitis
World Health Organization
North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
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 diseases of public health significance, report the case to the health unit immediately by fax and telephone.
Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have meningitis?
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.
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).
Healthcare provider information
Infection prevention and control
In healthcare settings, additional precautions to be implemented depend on the suspected or confirmed cause of the meningitis. See Public Health Ontario’s Clinical Syndromes/Conditions with Required Level of Precautions for additional information.
Ministry of Health - Ontario Public Health Standards
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