Toronto Public Health has reported an outbreak of meningococcal disease in the city that has killed one person.
The city’s public health unit said it has confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease in three individuals aged 20 to 30 who began experiencing symptoms between July 15 and 17.
It says all infected individuals were born outside Canada in countries that do not provide child immunization.
Toronto Public Health says it has not been able to establish a link between the cases, but it was recently confirmed that the three individuals had the same rare strain of meningococcal disease from serogroup C.
Meningococcal disease refers to diseases caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, which are often severe, can be fatal and can cause meningitis and infections of the lining of the brain, spinal cord, and bloodstream.
Early symptoms include fever, aches, joint pain, headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light and are often similar to signs of influenza and other viral infections, making diagnosis difficult.
Meningococcal bacteria are spread by sharing respiratory and throat fluids, usually through close contact such as kissing, coughing, and sharing utensils, cups, cigarettes, and musical instruments.
The health unit recommends that all adults between the ages of 20 and 36 who have not received the meningococcal disease vaccine contact their health care provider to receive one as soon as possible.
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