A tragic story is emerging related to a young student at Admiral Westphal Elementary School in Dartmouth.
According to multiple sources and posts to social media, a student from the school has passed away after a confirmed case of invasive Group A streptococcal infection (Strep A).
Nova Scotia Health (NSH) would not comment on the matter, but did state an update could be provided on Monday.
A letter sent to parents on Friday indicates exposure may have occurred February 26, 27, 28, March 1 and the morning of March 4 at the school.
A person can be infected with Strep A when the bacteria have invaded parts of the body where bacteria is not usually found, such as the blood, deep muscle and fat tissue, or lungs.
It can be spread person-to-person through direct contact with nose, throat or wound secretions or coughing and sneezing.
Early signs of a non-invasive infection include:
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Rash
Early signs of invasive infection include:
- High fever
- Severe pain
- Dizziness
- Bad rash
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
Nova Scotia Health stated in the letter they would be calling families of students who attend the school to follow up.
