In a follow-up to the Rylee Sears meningococcal meningitis case, Capital Health reports they will be vaccinating more than 45 people who were in close contact with the 10th grader.
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Health officials report the offending strain was Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y. Unfortunately, this strain is not covered by routine childhood vaccines in Nova Scotia. However, there is a vaccine available for this particular bacteria strain.
Public Health will provide the vaccine to close contacts within the next week or so. This measure is meant to help prevent further spread of the disease in the long term, as evidence suggests that people who were in close contact with a person who developed meningitis have a greater risk of developing it in later months.
Details on the location and time will be provided to those who require the vaccine within the next few days.
No additional meningitis cases have been reported.
