“Institutional outbreak” of meningitis at Acadia University

Halifax —

Two confirmed cases of the same strain of meningococcal meningitis mean Acadia University in Wolfville, N.S., is now dealing with an institutional outbreak of the disease.

“The campus community right now is experiencing a number of different emotions many folks are obviously shocked and saddened by the passing of one of our students, one of their friends and classmates,“ says James Sanford, Director of Student Services at Acadia.

Sarah Hastings, a first year student at the university, passed away February 1st from the b-strain of meningitis.

Hope Maryka, also a first year student, is currently in hospital from the same strain of the disease. “She has communicated with friends and classmates, she is doing her academic work, which pleases her professors I’m sure, and our president was able to meet with her and her family this week,“ Sanford tells Global News.

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Strang says an on-campus vaccination program will begin Wednesday, February 18.

Vaccination clinics for the first dose of the vaccine will take place in the Fountain Commons from noon to 4 p.m. on Feb. 18 and 19, and from noon to 8 p.m. from Feb. 23 to 25. Another round of clinics will take place before the end of the term for the second dose of vaccine.

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“We all have to stay safe and with the vaccine coming up I think everyone should get it even if they live on or off campus because you never know,” says Jessica MacLeod, a third year biology student. “You can’t really take risks when something this serious happens.”

The Department of Health says the vaccine is for all students, as well as faculty and staff with certain rare health condition. At this point, there are no plans to implement a province-wide vaccination program.

“The risk remains low because this disease is not spread as easily as the cold or flu. Basic precautions and the vaccination program within the student population are the best measures to keep everyone healthy,” says Dr Strang.

The university is heading into reading week, with many students leaving campus. Despite the outbreak, there are no restrictions on travel or classes. Many students say they are concerned about their own health and plan to get vaccinated.

“The symptoms for meningitis, I have a couple of them,” says Brendan Stoquoa, student. “They’re also common cold symptoms, so I’m not freaking out that much but it is something to be cautious about.”

Athletes at Acadia University say they’re taking extra precautions to avoid spreading meningitis. “We’re trying to drink out your own bottle. We’re being strict on that and were trying to wash our hands after practice,“ says Kyle MacKinnon, who is on the schools basketball team.

Many in Wolfville, including local business owners aren’t concerned meningitis will spread through the community. “Personally no, I haven’t been very worried at all. We do get a lot of students in and out but two cases to me doesn’t seem too dramatic at this point,“ says Hilary Drummond, Co-owner of The Box of Delights Bookshop.

Health officials are reminding people that basic precautions like not sharing drinks, water bottles, eating utensils, reducing direct contact with nose and mouth discharges and washing hands could help prevent the spread of the disease.

Symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, stiff neck, rash, nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light and a change in the level of alertness and/or altered mental state.

The Department of Health and Wellness is encouraging anyone with severe symptoms should go to an emergency department or call 911.