Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s Chief Public Health Officer, has today informed us that the second case of meningitis (Hope Maryka) was serogroup B – the same strain that infected Sarah Hastings. Dr. Strang has informed us that Public Health will now provide meningococcal vaccine to all Acadia students and to those faculty and staff with rare health conditions. Nova Scotia Public Health has scheduled multiple immunization clinics during the next two weeks.

I have attached Dr. Strang’s letter to Acadia which provides specific details about the upcoming clinics and also contains important information such as his assurances that public events should continue normally and there is no need for anyone to restrict their travel (please see attached press release).

The health and well-being of our Acadia community is our primary concern. Dr. Strang and his staff have been working alongside our own team of medical practitioners to answer questions from students. We will strictly adhere to all of the protocols and procedures specified by Nova Scotia Public Health.

We have updated our website with the most recent information as well as some answers to frequently asked questions. If anyone has additional questions, please make use of the Public Health telephone line at 1-844-468-6805. We will continue to provide you with updates as we receive them from Public Health.

I want to let you know that Hope is continuing to recover and is deeply appreciative of the support she has received from her friends and colleagues at Acadia and beyond. Thank you to everyone for your concern and compassion.

The past two weeks have been very difficult for the Acadia community. I encourage everyone to look out for each other and to make full use of all sources of information available. If you have any questions at all, please contact one of the many Public Health officials who are offering their assistance and support to our community.

Sincerely,

Ray Ivany
Acadia President and Vice-Chancellor