Case of invasive meningococcal disease reported at N.S. high school, risk to others ‘very low’

Cole Harbour District High School is seen in this undated file photo.

Nova Scotia Health says it investigated a case of invasive meningococcal disease in a Cole Harbour High School student last week.

“Due to privacy, we cannot provide any further details,” said a spokesperson in an email to CTV Atlantic.

Public Health says it has been in contact with anyone who may have been directly exposed and they’ve been offered preventative antibiotics and vaccination.

The health authority says the risk of other students and staff contracting the illness is “very low.”

“The bacteria that can cause meningococcal disease are spread by direct contact with secretions from the nose and mouth through activities such as kissing, sharing food, drinks, water bottles, toothbrushes, eating utensils, or cigarettes/vapes,” it says.

“It is not spread through the air or casual contact, such as sitting next to or talking with someone who is sick with the disease.”

Invasive meningococcal disease can be very severe and require intensive care.

Seven cases of the disease were reported in the province last year.

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