QC, Canada: Public health urges vigilance after fatal meningococcal infection in Eastern Townships

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montr...hips-1.7122144

Public health urges vigilance after fatal meningococcal infection in Eastern Townships
Parents of students at school where victim worked advised to monitor childrens' health
Sabrina Jonas · CBC News · Posted: Feb 22, 2024 10:59 AM EST | Last Updated: February 22

Health officials in the Eastern Townships of Quebec are issuing a call for vigilance after confirming two cases of invasive meningococcal infection in the region — one that resulted in a death last week.

The victim worked at Gendreau Elementary School in Coaticook, Que., and died Feb. 14. The specific type of infection is not yet known...

[Pathfinder]

Translation Google

An educator loved by all died in a few hours due to meningococcus: the Coaticook community in shock

Jasmin Dumas | TVA News| Published on February 22, 2024 at 5:40 p.m.

A 45-year-old woman from Estrie suffered a tragic end, dying just a few hours after contracting meningococcus. It's still a shock in the Coaticook community, where she was greatly involved.

Karine Lemieux was going to celebrate her 46th birthday on Wednesday. An educator appreciated by children and school staff, a dedicated volunteer outside of work, her sudden departure last Wednesday shook those around her.

“It’s definitely striking,” admitted microbiologist and infectious disease specialist Dr. Alex Carignan. Even as a doctor, when we have young patients who die or who have severe complications, it hits us too.

Meningococcus is a bacteria that affects the respiratory tract. It is one of the most dangerous infections and can quickly cause death, even in healthy people. “Luckily, it’s not common. On the other hand, in Quebec, for several years, we have observed an increase in the number of cases,” explained Dr. Carignan.

Another person in Estrie has also been infected with this bacteria in recent weeks. Fortunately, she survived.

In both cases, Public Health quickly identified the close contacts of the infected people. “The people received an antibiotic and a vaccine. Fortunately, so far no one else has shown symptoms and the critical period is coming to an end.”

For the general population, Dr. Carignan says that we should not panic, even though there are no real preventive measures to take. However, you should not hesitate to consult a doctor quickly if you have symptoms of meningococcus, including high fever, severe headache, nausea and vomiting, deterioration in general condition and redness.


A BELOVED WOMAN

Karine Lemieux worked in a school in Coaticook. Many colleagues have paid tribute to him over the past few days. On Wednesday, his birthday, a tribute was paid to him at school, in the presence of his family.

“There was a small ceremony and a balloon flight. She was a person who loved living and who wanted her life to be celebrated when she died. So, people joined this movement. It is certain that there were tears and there is mourning to be done, but people wanted to remember his good deeds,” said the general director of the Hauts-Cantons School Service Center, Martial Gaudreau. .

Ms. Lemieux also gave her time to the Coaticook Volunteer Action Center (CAB). The director of the organization, Marjorie Tyroler, had nothing but good words for her.

She was a dedicated person and appreciated by everyone here. She was loving and loved. It’s terrible what happened to her.”

https://www.tvanouvelles.ca/2024/02/22/une-educatrice-aimee-de-tous-morte-en-quelques-heures-a-cause-dun-meningocoque-la-communaute-de-coaticook-sous-le-choc