Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s Chief Public Health Officer has advised Acadia that a second student has been diagnosed with meningitis and is recovering in hospital 

First of all, I want to let you know that our student who fell ill, Hope Maryka, is doing very well.  I was able to visit Hope in the hospital earlier today to tell her and her mother that the entire Acadia community is sending best wishes for a speedy recovery. 

The health and well-being of our Acadia community is of paramount importance. This situation is a serious concern to everyone and we are strictly adhering to Nova Scotia Public Health’s protocols. Public Health is completing tests to confirm the strain of meningitis and they expect to have those results on Friday. At the same time Public Health has determined that, because Hope lives off campus and was isolated during the incubation period leading up to her illness, there are no close contacts that require medical evaluation or treatment. Given that we are leading up to Reading Week, Public Health will be providing follow up information to us and I urge everyone to watch their email inboxes for updates.

Nova Scotia Public Health officials recognize the seriousness of issue for our campus and are taking immediate steps to address our community’s concern.  The following initiatives are underway:

• Public Health nurses are on site at our Student Health Centre beginning today and will continue to support our own team of medical professionals.
• An information session hosted by Dr. Strang will be held this afternoon at 5 p.m. in Fountain Commons.  There will be follow up information sessions this evening in each residence with Public Health nurses, and more information sessions will follow over the next few days.
• Public Health has established an information line for anyone who may have urgent concerns but is unable to meet with a health care professional. Individuals can call 1-844-468-6805 (toll-free in North America) or 811 in Nova Scotia. You can also contact your own doctor for more information about meningitis and the vaccines that may be available privately through their office.

I urge everyone to make full use of all sources of information available and, if you have any questions at all, to contact one of the many Public Health officials who will be offering their assistance and support to our community.

Acadia has a Meningitis Information Page. Please visit it for updates. 

Sincerely,

Ray Ivany
President and Vice-Chancellor
Acadia University