NL Health Services is advising the public of an outbreak of “invasive meningococcal disease” following three lab-confirmed cases in central Newfoundland.

Public Health has notified all contacts who are considered to be high-risk, and vaccinations for N. Meningitidis B have been offered.

Although uncommon, IMD is a serious bacterial infection that can lead to infections in the lining of the brain and spinal cord, and can also infect the bloodstream.

It requires immediate medical treatment.

The bacteria is spread through close, prolonged face-to-face contact like kissing, coughing or sneezing, sharing drinks, eating utensils, toothbrushes, cigarettes, vapes or lip balms, and sharing sleeping arrangements.

The health authority says the bacteria is not spread through casual contact or by breathing the same air as an infected person.

Symptoms, which include high fever, a bruise-like rash, severe headache, stiff neck, and vomiting, usually develop within two to ten days of exposure.

Immunization is the best defense against more common strains, and is part of the province’s school-based immunization program.