New case of pneumococcal disease in Oliver is low risk, says Interior Health

OLIVER – A new case of pneumococcal disease does not present a health risk to Oliver residents, according to the Interior Health Authority.

Interior Health says in a press release issued this afternoon, Sept. 21, a recent case of pneumococcal disease with associated meningitis in Oliver has no identified risk to the public or to health care workers at this time.

Interior Health, working with the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, has determined through testing the case is an isolated one and not connected to an outbreak of meningitis in the Okanagan last year.

Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by bacteria and can result in many types of illnesses including: ear infections, sinus infections, pneumonia and meningitis in severe cases. Pneumococcal disease is generally not severe, and is most common in children under 5, individuals who are immunocompromised or individuals over 65.

If you experience symptoms that concern you, including fever, stiff neck or vomiting, call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1, visit your doctor or nurse practitioner, or visit a walk-in clinic.

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