Sackville High student diagnosed with meningitis
Risk of spreading to other students low, says Public Health
A public health doctor is warning that a student at Sackville High School has been diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis, but says the risk to other students is low.
In a letter to parents, Robin Taylor, the Medical Officer of Health for the Capital District Health Authority, says they are trying to identify students who may have been exposed or were in contact with the student.
Meningococcal meningitis is spread through direct contact — not through the air. Taylor's letter lists sharing food, drinks and water bottles as ways to contract the bacterial infection.
A public health nurse and the school's youth health centre co-ordinator were addressing questions at the school on Thursday. The youth co-ordinator remained on site Friday.
The Halifax Regional School Board says it is following direction from Public Health on how to deal with the case. A spokesperson for the board declined an interview, saying Public Health would be handling the issue.
Any parents with concerns are asked to contact Public Health at 902-481-5800.