In light of the laboratory confirmation of the second case of meningococcal meningitis B in an Acadia University student, the Wolfville, NS college will be offering vaccinations to all students, as well as faculty and staff with certain rare health conditions.
Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Strang confirmed today, Feb. 13, that the second Acadia University student with meningococcal meningitis has the B strain of the disease, and an on-campus vaccination program will begin Wednesday, Feb. 18.
The provincial lab confirmed the second Acadia case is meningococcal meningitis Tuesday night, and the National Microbiology Lab confirmed the strain late Thursday.
“Two cases of the same strain of meningococcal meningitis in one location, such as a university campus, constitutes an institutional outbreak,” said Dr. Strang.
“Still, 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.”
Public health will hold vaccination clinics for the first dose of the vaccine 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.
Acadia President and Vice-Chancellor, Ray Ivany announced today that the second case of meningitis, Hope Maryka, is continuing to recover and is deeply appreciative of the support she has received from her friends and colleagues at Acadia and beyond.
