Potentially Fatal Meningococcal Infections on the Rise in Toronto

A rise in cases was also reported earlier this year in Kingston, Ont., Manitoba, and Quebec’s Eastern Townships.

Toronto Public Health's offices at Dundas and Victoria St. in Toronto on Aug. 21, 2017. Cole Burston/The Canadian Press

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.