- Case Counts: 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 January 16, 2025.
- Population estimates: Statistics Canada 2014-2022, IntelliHEALTH Ontario, Ministry of Health, extracted on April 23, 2024.
- Population projections: Statistics Canada, 2023, IntelliHEALTH Ontario, Ministry of Health, extracted on April 23, 2024.
Meningococcal Disease, Invasive
Invasive meningococcal disease is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. It is an uncommon, but serious disease spread through close contact with someone who has the bacteria in their nose and mouth (e.g., kissing or sharing items). It can lead to swelling of tissues surrounding the brain (meningitis) or bloodstream infection and causes complications such as hearing loss, amputations, and death. Prompt medical attention and treatment are needed, as meningococcal infections can progress quickly.
Local Information
2024 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:
0*
Incidence rate per 100,000 in 2024: 0
*Includes confirmed and probable cases in 2024.
Incidence rate per 100,000 of Invasive Meningococcal Disease by year
More Information about Invasive Meningococcal Disease
- English
- Français
- Caring for Kids: Meningococcal Disease
- Ministry of Health - Meningococcal Disease Fact Sheet: English and Français
- See also Meningitis
Report to the Health Unit immediately by 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.
Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have invasive meningococcal disease?
Individuals diagnosed with meningococcal infection should remain at home until at least 24 hours after starting appropriate antibiotics.
If a person who is diagnosed with meningococcal infection is admitted to hospital, isolation precautions will be implemented until at least 24 hours after beginning and complying with appropriate antibiotics.
Note: Exclusion guidelines may differ for healthcare workers. Follow the direction of your healthcare provider, public health case manager, or occupational health at your workplace.
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.
Healthcare Provider Information
Public Health Ontario: Invasive Meningococcal Disease
Public Health Ontario: Neisseria Meningitidis - Real-time PCR
Public Health Agency of Canada: Invasive Meningococcal Disease: For Health Professionals
Public Health Agency of Canada - Meningococcal Vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide
Infectious Disease Protocol, Appendix 1: Meningococcal disease, invasive
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: February 2025, by CDC