Manitoba continues to see increased cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) serogroup W.

Manitoba typically sees 6 IMD cases from all serogroups annually.

For serogroup W, there were 25 confirmed cases in 2024.

As of 2025, 21 confirmed cases have been reported, with 10 of these cases occurring since July 2025.

Cases have not been epidemiologically linked and have occurred in all regions, with the highest rates in the Northern Health region.

Current epidemiological data indicate a disproportionate number of individuals from Indigenous communities being impacted, particularly infants under 12 months of age.

As a result of these epidemiologic trends during this outbreak, vaccine eligibility for the meningococcal ACYW (Men-C-ACYW) vaccine is being expanded to directly protect infants living in or closely connected to Indigenous communities.

Effective immediately, in addition to the routine meningococcal immunizations offered at 12 months and Grade 6, up to two additional doses can be offered to children aged 6 weeks to under 12 months of age who:

  • live in an Indigenous community within Manitoba; or
  • travel regularly to Indigenous communities in Manitoba; or
  • have household visitors from Indigenous communities in Manitoba.