Nova Scotia Health confirms case of invasive meningococcal disease at high school

Last week, Nova Scotia Health confirmed a case of invasive meningococcal disease in a student at Cole Harbour High School. The health authorities have taken immediate action to contact close contacts and individuals who may have been directly exposed to the infected student.

A spokesperson for Nova Scotia Health informed CBC News that those who had contact with the student were promptly offered preventative antibiotics and vaccination to mitigate any potential spread of the disease. It was emphasized that the risk of other students and staff contracting the illness is very low, as meningococcal disease is primarily transmitted through direct contact with secretions from the nose and mouth.

This type of transmission can occur through activities such as kissing, sharing food, drinks, water bottles, toothbrushes, eating utensils, or even cigarettes and vapes. It is important to note that meningococcal disease is not airborne and cannot be spread through casual contact like sitting next to or talking to an infected individual.

Invasive meningococcal disease is a serious infection that can lead to sepsis or inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain. In recent years, Nova Scotia Health has reported a total of eight cases in 2023 and seven cases in 2024, highlighting the importance of early detection and prevention.

Common symptoms of meningococcal disease include fever, headache, changes in alertness levels (such as confusion), stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light, and a rapidly spreading skin rash that initially appears as reddish or purplish spots that do not fade when pressed.

For more information on meningococcal disease and its symptoms, you can visit the official Nova Scotia Health website.