The Northwestern Health Unit says it has seen a rise in the number of cases of Invasive Pneumoccocal Disease.
In fact, the rate in northwestern Ontario this winter and spring has been three times the provincial average.
Children and people over the age of 65 are most at risk.
The Health Unit says in severe cases it can lead to brain damage, blood stream infections or even death.
The good news is that it is preventable with a vaccination.
