Public health officials across three provinces in Canada have warned about the spread of a rare bacterial infection that can lead to meningitis and result in death. Ontario and Manitoba have recently seen an increase in cases, with recent alerts coming from Toronto.

Dr. James Kellner, a pediatrician and infectious disease specialist, stated that by the time cases reach the hospital, they can already be very ill; the symptoms of this disease can appear very quickly, and the condition can progress from one day to the next.

On the other hand, the Toronto Public Health has recorded only 13 cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) so far this year in 2024, which is higher than the total number of cases recorded since 2002.

Two of the recent cases in Toronto were fatal, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, including a young child, with Kellner from Calgary stating, “Compared to the normal situation, this is a significant jump.”

According to the Canadian Ministry of Health, about 10% of cases are fatal, while 10% to 20% of survivors suffer from life-altering consequences such as hearing loss, neurological disabilities, and amputations of fingers or limbs.

It is worth noting that the disease exists worldwide, but it is more commonly referred to as the "meningitis belt" in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Toronto Public Health has urged people to get vaccinated, especially those traveling during the current Hajj season in Saudi Arabia, as well as those attending local and international LGBTQ+ events.

The disease is a bacterial infection that can lead to severe inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, known as meningitis.

In severe cases, it can also lead to bloodstream infections, which may result in amputations and death.

The primary initial symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, stiff neck, and then a dark purple rash.

The disease can be prevented through vaccination, which is often provided for free to children at 12 months of age and in seventh grade.