Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Strang confirmed today, Feb. 11, that an Acadia University student is in hospital recovering from meningococcal meningitis.
This is the second case of an Acadia student contracting the disease. The strain is not yet known. The first patient passed away Feb. 1 from the B strain of the disease.
“I understand the heightened level of concern, and we are working with Acadia University and local public health officials to provide information to the university community, including students, parents, staff and faculty,” said Dr. Strang.
“Two confirmed cases in one population is unusual. If it is the B strain, we will begin a targeted vaccination program starting next week.”
The latest case is a female student who lives alone off campus, and does not have close contacts who would be at greater risk of contracting the disease. There was no known contact between her and the first student to contract meningitis.
The lab confirmed Tuesday night the case is meningococcal meningitis. Confirmation of the strain may take a few days. Local public health staff are already on campus to help the university prepare for a potential vaccination program and support student health services staff.
“It’s important to remember that even with this latest diagnosis, the risk of getting the disease remains low in the general public,” said Dr.
Strang. “There is no need to cancel classes or limit the movement of Acadia students and staff. Basic precautions can help prevent spreading the disease.”
Steps to prevent the spread of meningitis include:
— not sharing drinks, water bottles, eating utensils, lip balm or toothbrushes
— reducing direct contact with nose and mouth discharges
— washing hands, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if washing isn’t possible
Anyone with severe symptoms should go to an emergency department or call 911. If unsure, call 811 for advice. Symptoms include:
— fever
— headache
— change in the level of alertness and/or altered mental state
— stiff neck
— rash
— nausea
— vomiting
— increased sensitivity to light
More information is available at http://novascotia.ca/dhw .
FOR BROADCAST ONLY:
Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Strang confirmed
today (February 11th) that an Acadia University student is in
hospital recovering from meningococcal meningitis.
This is the second case of an Acadia student contracting
the disease. The strain is not yet known.
Dr. Strang says he understands the heightened level of
concern and he is working with Acadia University and local
public health officials to provide information to the university
community, including students, parents, staff and faculty.
He says two confirmed cases in one population is unusual,
and if it is the B strain like the first case, a targeted
vaccination program will start next week.
Anyone with severe symptoms should go to an emergency
department or call 911. If unsure, call 811 for advice. More
information is available on the Department of Health and
Wellness website.
Source: Release