Cases of meningococcal disease in Canada have reached their highest level in more than 10 years, according to new public health data.
This rare but serious bacterial infection can cause meningitis, blood infections, and sepsis. It can lead to organ damage, long-term disability, or even death. Infants and young adults are among those most at risk.
Cases have been rising since the pandemic, from 48 in 2021 to nearly 100 in 2023. Early estimates suggest there were at least 132 cases in 2024 and 155 in 2025 — the highest since 2012.
The disease, caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, has a death rate of about 14 per cent in Canada. Survivors may face lasting health problems such as hearing loss, brain damage, or limb loss.
