A local resident is in hospital with Meningococcal Disease. The potentially fatal disease has turned up, but appears to be an isolated incident. Public Health isn't releasing any information about the person, only saying they are in hospital. Meningococcal is a mouth and throat oriented bacteria that can turn into inflammation of the spine and brain, or an infection in the blood and can be fatal. Symptoms include severe headache and nausea to joint stiffness, drowsiness. It can even escalate to coma and death. To prevent the disease, the health unit encourages people not to share items that have been in someone else's mouth, like food and cutlery, water bottles, toothbrushes and cigarettes. Public Health Manager Mary Metcalfe says the bacteria is present in about 10 per cent of the population at any given time. Metcalfe says some people are just susceptible to getting seriously ill.

Oxford County Reminds Businesses to Register for Curbside Collection
Special Weather Statement Issued for Oxford County
Applications Open for Charity of Choice
Christmas Community Free Table this Saturday
OPP Share Cram-A-Cruiser Food Drive Results
Norfolk OPP Briefs - December 18th, 2025
Impaired Driver Charged in Woodstock
OPP Investigating Stolen Snowmobile
New Library Program is Rolling Out
Holiday Safety Tips from WFD
Woodstock Police Briefs - December 17th, 2025
Tillsonburg Man Charged in Lambton County Crash
UPDATE: Charges Laid in Tillsonburg Gas Theft
Winter Reminders from WFD
UPDATE: Charges Are Laid After Two Fires in the City
SWPH Reports High Influenza Risk
Deputy Warden Appointed for 2026
Handbags for Hospice to Shimmer for Sakura House
Beachville Museum Employee Receives Award
SWPH Issues Cold Weather Alert