Potentially Fatal Meningococcal Infections on the Rise in Toronto

Two people have died of invasive meningococcal disease in Toronto as the number of cases rise to 13 so far this year, the highest tally seen annually since 2002, the city’s health unit says. Toronto Public Health is describing invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) as a “potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that can progress suddenly” and issued a June 7 advisory urging city residents to stay up-to-date on recommended vaccines. Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Vinita Dubey told The Epoch Times via email that a number of the cases occurred in April and May and that more cases are likely. “While we cannot predict what will occur for the remainder of the year, we will continue to monitor invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) activity,” Dr. Dubey said. “The average number of cases seen in a year is 6, and we have already had 13 into early June.”...