Province warns of invasive infections hike
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/01/2024 (644 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Invasive cases of bacterial meningitis and strep-related infections are increasing in Manitoba, public health warns.
Provincial officials confirmed eight cases of invasive meningococcal disease within the past month. The infections show up as meningitis or bloodstream infections and need rapid treatment, including antibiotics, or they can cause serious illness or even death.
The cases affected six adults and two children in the Winnipeg, Northern Health and Prairie Mountain regions. They don’t appear to be linked, the provincial government stated in a news release Thursday, warning the public about the spread of the illness.
Typically, only about six cases per year are detected.
Public health officials are also warning about a significant increase in the number of invasive group A streptococcal infections, which can also be life-threatening.
There’s no current outbreak, but Manitoba cases have been rising over time.
In their early stages, both invasive meningococcal and invasive strep A can mimic the symptoms of respiratory viruses such as the flu or COVID-19 and can happen at the same time or after an individual has a viral infection. Severe infections of these bacterial illnesses are more common during flu season, when there is greater transmission of respiratory symptoms, the province stated.
There were 200 confirmed cases of invasive group A streptococcal infections in 2023, compared with 150 confirmed cases in 2022.
Invasive strep A is caused by the same bacteria as strep throat and impetigo, but in its invasive form, streptococci get into the blood, lungs and deep tissue. It can also show up as meningitis, which has symptoms of stiff neck, headache, vomiting and, in some cases, low blood pressure and confusion. Other symptoms can include fever, muscle aches or rash.
Routine vaccines offered in Manitoba protect against some forms of invasive meningococcal disease, starting for children at 12 months old and again offered to children in Grade 6.
Symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease include: “a dark purple rash, high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, upset stomach, severe aches or pains, weakness, drowsiness and sensitivity to light. It can result in serious outcomes including amputations and in about 10 per cent of cases, can result in death,” the province cautioned.
Health-care providers in Manitoba have been advised to be on the lookout.