What is meningitis or invasive meningococcal disease (IMD)?
It’s an infection of the lining of the brain and/or spinal cord caused by a bacteria, Neisseria meningitidis, carried in the throat and nose of up to 30% of healthy people. There are many types of meningococcal bacteria that can cause this disease. Every year, 10 to 20 people get IMD in Toronto. Type C IMD (IMD-C) causes disease in two to 10 of these people. How can IMD be spread? Neisseria meningitidis, the bacteria causing IMD, can be spread by kissing, coughing, sharing common items such as eating utensils, cups, cigarettes, mouthpieces of musical instruments and other contact where saliva is passed from one person to another. What are the symptoms of IMD or meningitis? Early signs can be similar to those of flu and other viral infections, making it difficult to diagnose. Symptoms in infants and children include: • Fever, • Irritability, • Sleepiness, • Difficulty feeding, • Vomiting, • Stiff neck and • Bulging of the soft spot on top of the skull. Symptoms in youth and older indivi
