KENORA— An increase of invasive pneumococcal disease is making its way through Northwestern Ontario.
The disease, streptococcus pneumoniae, is a type of bacteria that can cause infections in different parts of the body, including sinuses, ear, lungs, bloodstream and brain. When the infection moves to the bloodstream and brain, it is called IPD, which can lead to brain damage, blood stream infections or in some cases, death, says the Northwestern Health Unit.
In the late winter and early spring, the Northwestern Health Unit saw three times the amount of IPD cases in its catchment area in comparison to southern Ontario.
The disease is most common in children under the age of two, community members over the age of 65, and people with compromised immune systems.
The germs spread from the nose down to the throat through coughing, sneezing, kissing and sharing household items such as cups, water bottles, straws, toothbrushes and sharing food, said the health unit in a news release.
Invasive pneumococcal disease can be prevented by vaccination given through routine immunizations to children, those 65 and older, and anyone at high risk.
While people with serious IPD infections need to take antibiotics to get better, the germ can cause permanent damage, the health unit said.
Community members may be at risk for IPD if they have a cochlear implant, a weakened immune system, chronic conditions, chronic diseases, have a non-functioning or missing spleen, the health unit said.
Residents are recommended to contact their health care provider or the Northwest Health Unit for more information on the pneumococcal vaccine.
