Call Us ........ "Old Fashioned" .......... Winding Down More "Virtual Care"
Call Us ........ "Old Fashioned" .......... Winding Down More "Virtual Care"

We are taking down our office email account “sgallant123@hotmail.com”. It served its purpose during “lockdown”

Please call the office for a face to face appointment. To us, “Pandemic Telephone Appointments” are hardly relevant as we emerge from the Covid 19 pandemic.

Some telephone appointments may still be appropriate for refills and test results. Thank You for your understanding.

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Charlotte Gallant
Meningococcal Meningitis
Meningococcal Meningitis

Friday, December 16, 2022

 

RE: Recent Meningococcal Meningitis B cases in Nova Scotia

 

Dear Nova Scotia Health Care Providers:

 

Public Health is currently investigating two cases of invasive meningococcal serogroup B disease, who are both students at Dalhousie University living at the same residence, Shirreff Hall. Both individuals began experiencing symptoms between December 8 and 12. One student is recovering, and one has, unfortunately, died. Both were also co-infected with influenza virus. At this time there is no known connection between the two cases other than living in the same residence, although this is still under investigation.

 

Public Health has identified all high-risk close contacts of these students. They have all received chemoprophylaxis and will be offered the Meningococcal B vaccine (Bexsero®). Two cases of meningococcal disease with the same serogroup in one location over a short period of time is

considered an institutional outbreak. In response, Public Health will be holding vaccination clinics for the students and staff of Shirreff Hall this weekend.

 

In addition to this, Public Health is investigating a third non-related case of meningococcal disease in a child in Northern Zone. Serogroup information on this case is pending, and case investigation is ongoing. This case also was co-infected with influenza virus. Close contacts have been identified and provided with chemoprophylaxis.

 

While the risk to the public is low, health care providers may receive an increase in questions or visits to clinics and emergency departments. If your patient believes they are a high-risk close contact of the infected individual, please instruct him/her/them to contact Public Health at 1-902-481-5824. Your patient will be assessed for exposure and prophylaxis will be recommended if needed.

 

Preceding viral illnesses may increase the risk of secondary bacterial infections including meningococcus. Given this and the current increase in respiratory illnesses, we encourage all Nova Scotians 6 months or older to also receive their seasonal influenza if not received already.

 

Please advise patients about the symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease (e.g., changes in level of alertness, fever, headache, stiff neck, rash or sensitivity to light) and if they become symptomatic to seek prompt medical attention. A fact sheet is available at: https:1/novascotia.ca/dhw/cdpc/cdc/documents/Meningococcal-Disease-lnvasive.pdf

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Charlotte Gallant
Asthma Conference
Asthma Conference

Dr Gallant will be attending a joint initiative on Asthma Management Dec 12-14th 2022 in London.

We are pleased to have Dr Mac Neil providing Locum Tenens Coverage while he is away.

Please call the office if you need an appointment

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Charlotte Gallant
Remembrance Day ......... Office Closed
Remembrance Day ......... Office Closed

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

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Charlotte Gallant