N.S. public health reports student death from suspected meningococcal disease

Public Health in Nova Scotia is investigating after a Saint Mary's University student recently died of a suspected case of meningococcal meningitis in the western health zone.

Nova Scotia public health is investigating after a university student recently died of a suspected case of meningococcal meningitis in the province’s western health zone.

In a release, Nova Scotia Health said the student, who attended Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, died in hospital over the weekend. Public health has identified and contacted those who may have been exposed to them, the release said.

“At this time there is no indication of increased risk to the general public or the Saint Mary’s University community,” said Dr. Jesse Kancir, regional medical officer of health, in the release.

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

In a letter to students Wednesday morning, Tom Brophy, SMU associate vice-president of student affairs and services, announced the student’s death with a “heavy heart.”

Brophy stressed “there is no indication of increased risk to the general public or the university community” and said public health’s investigation did not involve any of the student residences.

The letter also included a list of counselling and mental health supports available to students.

“I want to extend my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of this student and the entirety of the Saint Mary’s University community impacted by this tragedy,” he said.