Outreach health resources are connecting with vulnerable populations in Nanaimo, Parksville and Victoria following significant increases in confirmed cases of a rare bacteria. (file photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

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NANAIMO — Health workers are reaching out to people most at risk in specific Island communities following a notable surge of lab confirmed cases of a bacterial disease.

Cases of Haemophilus influenza type B disease (Hib) has risen sharply in the past two months, impacting vulnerable people in Nanaimo, Parksville and Victoria.

Eight lab confirmed cases have been reported in the impacted communities since late last year, resulting in one death.

“We had two cases in ten years. In the past year now we’ve had eight cases and most of them have been in the last month,” Island Health medical health officer Dr. Charmaine Enns said.

According to Island Health, most people won’t get ill if they are exposed to the disease, especially those who have received the Hib vaccination.

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The risk to the general public is currently low, according to Island Health.

Dr. Enns said outreach efforts have been successful in having vulnerable populations vaccinated in the three impacted communities.

”The vaccine uptake has been very good, people are keen to get the vaccine,” she said.

Vaccinations to combat Hib started late last month, Island Health reported.

People inflicted with Hib on Vancouver Island have included those contracting meningitis, pneumonia and bacteremia requiring ICU admission.

Permanent complications can include brain damage and deafness, Island Health noted.

The disease is spread through coughing, sneezing, or through saliva containing food, drink and substance use equipment.

Island Health recommends high risk populations use their own drug equipment and avoid sharing cigarettes/joints.

The health authority credits universal childhood vaccinations as a key factor in vastly limiting the spread of Haemophilus influenza type B disease.

— with files from 97.3 FM The Eagle

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