What is invasive meningococcal disease (IMD)?
Invasive meningococcal disease is rare but potentially devastating.
While the disease mainly affects children below the age of five and adolescents and young adults, it can affect anyone, anywhere in the world.
The disease can lead to severe complications like deafness, loss of limbs or even death.
About IMD
Early symptoms can be mistaken for the flu, but the disease can progress fast. An infected person can experience high fever, headaches, stiff neck, confusion, nausea, vomiting and rash. Death can occur within 24 to 48 hours after the symptoms appear.
About 1 in 10 people who get a meningococcal disease will die.
Up to 19% suffer from permanent complications, such as the following:
- Brain damage
- Nervous system problems, such as seizures and paralysis
- Deafness
- Limb loss
Be in the know about the disease and how to help protect your child.
Vaccination can help protect your child even when you aren't there
Being a teen or young adult is a risk factor for IMD.
Did you know that teens and young adults are some of the most at-risk groups for developing invasive meningococcal disease?
It’s time to get informed about this rare but potentially devastating vaccine-preventable disease and how best to help protect yourself.
If you would like to learn more about IMD, you can also visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website.
The most important way to prevent meningococcal disease is vaccination.
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