Annual cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), a rare but dangerous bacterial infection, have hit the highest level seen in Canada in more than a decade. Infants and young adults have some of the highest death rates, federal data shows (new window). There were 48 country-wide cases of IMD in 2021, 74 in 2022 and nearly 100 in 2023, according to figures from the Public Health Agency of Canada. Six subtypes — meningococcal A, B, C, X, W and Y — are known for most often causing invasive forms of this infection. Muecke stressed that each province needs a tailored approach, given the striking differences in IMD subtypes and rates of infection between regions.

Source: CBC News April 03, 2026 15:22 UTC