Nova Scotia Health confirms case of invasive meningococcal disease at high school
Close contacts of student notified and were offered preventative antibiotics and vaccination
Nova Scotia Health says a case of invasive meningococcal disease was reported in a student at Cole Harbour High School last week.
Close contacts and people who may have been directly exposed have already been contacted.
A spokesperson for Nova Scotia Health told CBC News that people who did have contact were offered preventative antibiotics and vaccination.
Nova Scotia Heath said the risk of other students and staff becoming ill is very low, saying the bacteria that can cause meningococcal disease are spread by direct contact with secretions from the nose and mouth.
This can happen through kissing, sharing food, drinks, water bottles, toothbrushes, eating utensils or cigarettes and vapes.
Nova Scotia Health said meningococcal disease is not spread through the air or casual contact, like sitting next to or talking to someone who is sick.
Invasive meningococcal disease is a very rare but serious bacterial infection, according to the provincial health department.
"There are different strains of this bacteria, including A, B, C, W, and Y," the department website says.
"While some people carry this bacteria in their throat or nose without getting sick, the bacteria can invade other parts of the body and cause serious illness, like meningitis, an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meninges) or septicemia/meningococcemia, an infection in the bloodstream."
In Nova Scotia, routine immunizations for children include vaccinating against the A, C, W and Y strains. The province pays for the B strain vaccine for certain eligible groups. Those who are not covered can choose to pay out of pocket for the vaccine.
In 2023, Nova Scotia Health reported eight cases of invasive meningococcal disease. There were seven cases in 2024.
Symptoms can include:
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Change in the level of alertness (like confusion).
- Stiff neck.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Eyes being more sensitive to light.
- Skin rash that spreads rapidly and begins as reddish or purplish spots that do not disappear when pressed.