IMD stories
Last year, the Kingston region experienced an increase of Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD), which can cause a rare but potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that mainly affects young children, teens, young adults and older adults.
KFL&A Public Health spoke with two Queen’s University students who were diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis (type B) last year. They are sharing their stories so others can know the signs and symptoms of IMD and can take steps to protect themselves from this severe infection.
What is Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD)
- IMD is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis.
- Neisseria meningitidis bacteria are divided into strains or "serogroups" that are designated by letters of the alphabet.
- Strains A,B, C, W-135 and Y cause most of the meningococcal infections in Canada.
- You can carry the bacteria and not have any symptoms (this is known as colonization or being a carrier).
- Sometimes the bacteria invade the body and cause illness, which is known as meningococcal disease.
Types of Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal meningitis
- Swelling in the lining of the brain and spinal cord.
- Most common form of meningococcal infection
Meningococcal septicemia (meningococcemia)
- Infection in the bloodstream.
- Less common form of meningococcal infection
IMD can lead to severe consequences and long- term complications
- All forms of IMD are medical emergencies and require immediate attention
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics improves the chance of a good outcome without complications
How does IMD spread
- Meningococcal bacteria is spread through direct contact with secretions from the nose and throat of a person who is a carrier of the bacteria, such as:
- Sharing
- drinking cups, water bottles
- eating utensils
- straws
- lipstick
- vapes, cigarettes, joints
- mouthpieces on musical instruments
- Open-mouth (intimate deep) kissing
- Sharing
- You cannot catch the bacteria through casual contact or by breathing air where someone with meningococcal disease has been.
- A carrier is a person who has the bacteria living on the surface of the lining of the nose and throat without having any symptoms or becoming ill.
- About 10 to 20 per cent of adolescents and adults carry the bacteria in the back of their noses and throats.
- The bacteria are fragile and can not survive outside of the body.
Increased risk factors for getting IMD |
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Signs and symptoms of IMD
- Symptoms may initially resemble the flu, then rapidly worsen.
- Symptoms develop two to 10 (usually three to four days) after exposure.
- A person with invasive meningococcal disease can spread the bacteria seven days before the onset of symptoms and up to 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment.
| Symptom | Meningitis | Septicemia |
|---|---|---|
| Fever, usually high | Yes | Yes |
| Cold hands and feet | Yes | Yes |
| Drowsiness, impaired consciousness | Yes | Yes |
| Irritability, agitation | Yes | Yes |
| Severe headache | Yes | Yes |
| Vomiting | Yes | Yes |
| Stiff neck | Yes | No |
| Pain when moving neck | Yes | No |
| Photophobia (sensitivity to light) | Yes | No |
| Rash | Not always | Yes |
| Rapid breathing | Rarely | Yes |
| Pain in muscles and legs | Rarely | Yes |
Prevention
Avoid sharing
Avoid sharing anything that comes into contact with oral secretions, such as:
- drinking cups, water bottles
- eating utensils
- straws
- lipstick
- vapes, cigarettes, joints
- mouthpieces on musical instruments
Get vaccinated
- Vaccines are available to prevent meningococcal disease caused by bacterial strains A,B,C,W, Y
Meningococcal C
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Healthy children in Ontario: monovalent conjugate C meningococcal (Men-C-C) vaccine routinely provided for free at 12 months of age.
Meningococcal ACWY
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Healthy adolescents and young adults in Ontario: conjugate meningococcal (Men-C-ACYW-135) vaccine, routinely provided for free in grade 7, even if they have previously been vaccinated as an infant or toddler.
Meningococcal B
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Vaccination against meningococcal B (MenB) is not part of the routine (free) vaccination schedule in Ontario
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Talk to your health care provider about getting your MenB vaccine.
High-risk individuals
-
Men-C-ACYW-135 provided together with the MenB vaccine is provided at no cost for people with increased risk of IMD, aged two months to 17 years.
- High-risk eligibility:
- acquired complement deficiencies
- asplenia
- cochlear implant recipient (pre or post-implant)
- complement, properdin, factor D or primary antibody deficiencies
- HIV
- Individuals at increased risk of exposure to meningococcal disease, such as travellers to areas with high rates of endemic meningococcal disease, should consult a health care provider for advice on receiving meningococcal vaccines. Vaccine provided for travel is not publicly funded (free).
Frequently asked questions
I am attending post-secondary and live on campus. Am I at an increased risk? |
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Post-secondary students living on-campus for the first time are at increased risk of a meningococcal infection. It is important for these students to check if they have been vaccinated against all types of meningococcal disease including B, and if not, consider getting vaccinated before attending post-secondary education. |
I am attending post-secondary (and am under 25 years of age). How can I get a prescription for the MenB vaccine? |
The MenB vaccine is not a routine (free) vaccine. The cost of the vaccine may be covered by your health benefit plan. |
How is IMD diagnosed and treated? |
It is important that treatment start as soon as possible. |
I don't have a family doctor. How do I get a prescription for the meningococcal B vaccine? |
The meningococcal B vaccine is licensed for those 24 years of age and under, but may be indicated for use in adults 25 years of age and older in certain situations, such as travel to areas with high rates of meningococcal disease. |
What are some complications of IMD? |
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