November 3, 2008 - The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is investigating an increase in cases of pneumoccoal disease in Thunder Bay and District. The disease is caused by a common type of bacteria called pneumococcus. These bacteria can cause illnesses ranging from ear infections to pneumonia, meningitis and blood infections.
Nineteen cases have been reported since January 2008, which is almost double the expected rate of 10 cases per year. Two deaths may be linked to the disease. Through their investigation, the Health Unit is working to identify the high risk groups involved in this increase of pneumococcal cases.
Healthy people can carry the pneumococcus bacteria in their mouths and upper respiratory systems. For most people the bacteria will not cause serious illness. However, the bacteria will cause illness when they invade the blood or the lungs. Transmission usually occurs through the spread of respiratory droplets from the nose or mouth of a person with a pneumococcal infection (e.g. coughing, sneezing). No special treatment is required after being in contact with someone who has pneumococcal disease.
The symptoms of pneumococcal disease can vary depending on the illness and can range from high fever, headache and stiff neck (meningitis) to fever, chills and a cough that produces phlegm or mucous (pneumonia).
A vaccination is available to prevent the disease. Those eligible for the vaccine include infants, children (24 months to 5 years of age), those over the age of 65 or anyone of any age with a chronic medical condition or immune deficiency.
Anyone who is eligible can obtain the pneumococcal vaccine free of charge from the Health Unit or their family physician. For those who are eligible, the Health Unit will be providing the vaccine at their weekly immunization clinic (Wednesdays, 1:30-6:00 pm) as well as at all 2008 flu clinics. A schedule of flu clinics can be found at www.tbdhu.com/flu.
During the winter months, respiratory infections like colds and the flu are very common. To reduce your risk of respiratory illness, please take the following steps:
- cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue; if you don’t have a tissue, cough/sneeze into your sleeve;
- get rid of all used tissues;
- wash your hands regularly using soap; and
- make sure your immunizations are up-to-date, including the annual flu shot.
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