Meningitis outbreak declared at Dalhousie University residence after sudden death

Nova Scotia Public Health says it is investigating two cases of meningitis at Dalhousie University after the sudden death of a student.

In an email to students and faculty, signed by Regional Medical Officer of Health Dr. Cristin Muecke and Vice Provost Student Affairs, Rick Ezekiel, the Dalhousie community has been notified that an outbreak has been declared for the Shirreff residence. Hall in Halifax.

One student died suddenly from the illness, the memo said.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to their family and friends. This is all the information we are able to share about the student at this time to accommodate the family’s wishes and communication deadlines.”

In a statement released shortly after the memo was sent, Public Health said the second person with meningitis was recovering in hospital.

In the statement, he said “two cases of meningococcal disease with the same serogroup in one location over a short period of time is considered an institutional outbreak.”

The memo states that two cases of meningococcal disease, of the same strain called serogroup B, have been detected at the Shirreff Hall residence, although there is no known social activity between the two other than living in the same building. Public Health said it was investigating whether the individuals were linked.

“Only those contacted by public health are required to take further action,” Dal’s memo read.

“We recognize the anxiety and uncertainty this type of news creates for our community,” the university said. “This is an extremely difficult time for our students living at Shirreff Hall, our community that supports our students, and the family and friends of affected students.”

Public Health will hold vaccination clinics for students and staff at Shirreff Hall this weekend.

The agency said the meningococcal B vaccine is not part of the routine state-funded immunization program in the province, but is available to those identified as being in close contact with a case. or who are at higher risk of meningococcal disease.

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Dr Muecke assured there was no indication of increased risk to the general public, Dal’s memo reads, as this form of bacterial meningitis is not spread through the air or by contact. casual.

Meningitis is spread through saliva or sputum from the nose and mouth, “through activities such as kissing, as well as sharing food, drink, water bottles, toothbrushes, utensils kitchenware, cigarettes and other smoking products and appliances,” Public Health said.

He advises the following:

• Avoid sharing drinks or utensils
• Avoid sharing vapes, cigarettes, water bottles, and other items
• Avoid sharing bodily fluids
• Monitor for symptoms described here

Last month, another university in Halifax reported that a student had died of a suspected case of meningococcal meningitis.

In a November 9 release, Nova Scotia Health said a student, who was attending Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, died in hospital over the weekend. Public health has identified and contacted those who may have been exposed to it, the statement said.

According to Centers for Disaster Control and Preventionmeningococcal disease refers to a disease caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis.

Meningitis – infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord – is one of the most common types of meningococcal infections. Meningococcal infections can be “very serious and deadly within hours,” the CDC said.

— With files from Alex Cooke.

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