Manitoba Public Health officials have identified a recent increase in the number of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) and invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections presenting as either meningitis or bacteremia (infection in the bloodstream).

Healthy carriers, people can carry the bacteria in the back of their nose and throat without being ill, make up about 10 per cent. These people can spread the bacteria through respiratory droplets and saliva with close or prolonged contact with others. Seek urgent medical care if symptoms worsen or if people they care for become very ill. Keep up to date on your immunizations.

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