Although the bacteria was found in her blood, she did not have meningitis, which can occur with the bacteria. Meningococcal bacteria is commonly found in the nose and throat of healthy people without any symptoms.

“The bacteria probably contributed to her death, but may not have been the only cause, since there was another serious medical condition,” Dr. Sweet noted.

This is the first case of meningococcal disease in Prince Edward Island for four years.

All close contacts of the woman have received antibiotics to prevent them from acquiring infection from the bacteria.