Bill 245 2010

An Act to proclaim April 24 in each year as Meningitis Awareness Day

Preamble

Meningitis is a serious infection caused by inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis kills and maims children, young people and adults the world over. The disease has no boundaries based on wealth, colour, creed or country and is often mistaken for the flu.

Approximately 10 per cent of individuals who contract the disease will die. Of those who survive, up to one in five suffer permanent disabilities such as hearing loss, neurological damage and limb amputation.  Meningitis spreads through close contact, with the bacteria being transmitted through coughing or sneezing, sharing personal items, such as eating utensils, kissing and close physical contact.

The Meningitis Research Foundation of Canada (MRFC) was established in 1998 to prevent death and disability from meningitis and other infections of the central nervous system.  Through education the MRFC provides support to patients and their families affected by meningitis, increases public awareness of meningitis and promotes better understanding of the disease among healthcare professionals. The MRFC also provides funds for research into improved diagnosis, treatment and prevention of meningitis.

April 24 in each year is World Meningitis Day.  Proclaiming April 24 as Meningitis Awareness Day in Ontario supports the work of the MRFC by heightening awareness of meningitis and dedicates a day to sharing best practices, information and research that are all essential to ensuring that no family loses a loved one to this terrible disease.

Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

Meningitis Awareness Day

   1.  April 24 in each year is proclaimed as Meningitis Awareness Day.

Commencement

   2.  This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

Short title

   3.  The short title of this Act is the Meningitis Awareness Day Act, 2010.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill proclaims April 24 in each year as Meningitis Awareness Day.