July 27, 2001

Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD): Canada
There are several areas across Canada that have recently experienced elevated rates of serogroup C IMD including: Alberta; Quebec; Winnipeg, Manitoba; Abbotsford, British Columbia; London and Toronto, Ontario. Adolescentd and young adults (15 to 24 years of age) are the group most affected. London is hosting the 2001 Canada Summer Games in August and questions have been raised about the risk of the athletes contracting this disease. The Middlesex-London Health Unit and the Canada Games Chief Medical Officer would like to ensure that athletes, coaches and parents are aware of the meningococcal disease situation in Canada. The risk of contracting IMD in Canada is very low, even in areas that are experiencing elevated rates of the disease. Vaccination is not recommended for short-term visitors to any areas in Canada, including areas where elevated rates of IMD are occurring. IMD is transmitted through secretions from the mouth, nose and throat. Preventative measures to avoid contact with these secretions such as not sharing water bottles, lip balm, eating utensils, straws or cigarettes may reduce the risk of IMD and are recommended. There are vaccines for meningococcal disease available in Canada. It takes 2 weeks to develop immunity after receiving the vaccine. Some individuals may be considering vaccination and should discuss the vaccine with their physician.
Source: Middlesex-London Health Unit, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Health Canada

Type C Meningococcus Vaccine: Quebec
The ministre d'État à la Santé et aux Services sociaux [minister of State for health and social services] has decided to respond to recommendations made by the Comité d'immunisation du Québec [Quebec immunization committee] with regard to serogroup C meningococcal infection. Beginning this fall, free vaccination against meningitis, administered on a voluntary basis, will be offered to young Quebecers between the ages of 2 months and 20 years. This decision was made in response to warnings issued by the Comité d'immunisation du Québec, in whose opinion the analysis of epidemiological data leads one to expect an increase in the number of cases of meningitis over a period of 3 to 5 years. The Comité estimates that approximately 180 cases of serogroup C meningococcal infection will be prevented as a result of the vaccination, including approximately 25 deaths.
Source: Communiqué, Santé et Services sociaux du Québec, July 19, 2001

Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD): British Columbia
A young woman who works in Abbotsford and Mission, and who lives in Mission, has fallen ill with IMD, and is now in critical condition. To date, the meningococcal C outbreak has been confined to young adults living in Abbotsford. However, with just under 50% of the affected group still not vaccinated, the disease is still able to spread from the throat of one unvaccinated person to another through sharing saliva. From the start of the outbreak, vaccination has been offered to young adults who don't live in Abbotsford but who do study or work there, as a "just-in-case" precaution. Unfortunately, this young woman had not been vaccinated. As a result of this incident, young adults who don't live in Abbotsford but who do work or study there are no longer in the "just-in-case group" but have become part of the "affected group". Since December 2000, eight Abbotsford residents have developed IMD. Of these eight, two were younger children, one with serogroup C meningococcus and one with serogroup Y. However, six were young adults between the ages of 18-27, all with serogroup C meningococcus. Of these six, four have recovered, and two have died.
Source: Fraser Valley Health Region, BC Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, July 18, 2001

The details given are for information only and may be very provisional. Where incidents are considered of national importance and are ongoing, the initial report will be updated as new information becomes available.

[Infectious Diseases News Brief]