HALIFAX – A day after Global News reported a teen in Lower Sackville had been diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis, Capital Health says it has reached out to more than 60 people.
The student, a boy in Grade 10 at Sackville High, had contact with up to 100 other teens in the area at a party last weekend. He was taken to hospital earlier this week after developing symptoms.
One of the boy’s classmates said he has been told to watch for any symptoms of the illness until Jan. 27. Symptoms present between two to 10 days after exposure, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Dr. Robin Taylor, medical officer of health for Capital Health, said the disease can only be spread through mouth or nasal fluids, such as through kissing or sharing utensils.
Capital Health is asking people questions to determine if they require a course of preventative antibiotics.
The health authority has sent a letter to family doctors in the Halifax area to tell them they could receive calls from patients concerned about meningococcal disease.
A letter from Capital Health was also sent to parents of students at Sackville High on Thursday.
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord, and is typically caused by infection. The most at-risk groups include young people and adults with long-term health problems.
Meningitis can be viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic in nature. The viral type does not usually lead to serious health concerns, but the bacterial type is considered very dangerous.
Invasive meningococcal disease, caused by a bacterium called Neisseria meningitidis, can lead to meningitis, with symptoms presenting between two to 10 days after exposure, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
The most common symptoms of meningitis in teens and young adults are:
- A stiff and painful neck, especially when you try to touch your chin to your chest
- Fever
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Trouble staying awake
- Seizures
Health officials say it is very important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you or someone in your home has any of these symptoms.
In Canada, people can be immunized against five strains of meningococcal disease known to cause deadly forms of meningitis. In Nova Scotia, children are vaccinated at 12 months old and again in Grade 7.
For more information, Capital Health offers fact sheets on meningococcal disease and viral meningitis.
With Global News files
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