NL Health Services dealing with an outbreak of Invasive Meningococcal Disease in the Central zone

    Friday, 12 June 2026 14:22

    By Tonya Organ

    At this time, the overall risk to the general public is low.

    NL Health Services are dealing with an outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) with three confirmed cases in central. At this time, the overall risk to the general public is low.

    Public Health has notified those people considered to be close or high-risk contacts and offered vaccination. 

    IMD is serious and can lead to infections in the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), and infection of the bloodstream (meningococcemia), which require immediate medical treatment. The bacteria is spread through close, prolonged face‑to‑face contact such as kissing, coughing or sneezing, as well as sharing drinks, water bottles, mouth guards or eating utensils, sleeping arrangements, cigarettes and more. 

    Symptoms develop two to 10 days (usually three to four days) and can include high fever, purplish, bruise‑like rash, severe headache, stiff neck, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, and irritability

     

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