By Kyle Slavin
Black Press
A Pinetree secondary grad studying at the University of Victoria died last week after contracting meningicoccal disease, a bloodstream-based bacterial infection.
Leo Chan, who graduated from the Coquitlam high school in 2010, won the Raymond LeClair scholarship from the Coquitlam Foundation. In Grade 12, Chan spent his work experience time at the mayor's office, getting an inside peek at city government in action.
"He was just an incredibly bright and hardworking and focused young man," said Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart. "He came in enthusiastic, dressed in a suit. He was going to be mayor."
Stewart recalled Chan as having a keen interest in democracy and public policy.
"It's such a tragedy to hear that such a promising life was lost."
A memorial service was held at the university's interfaith chapel on Wednesday (Jan. 25), with Chan's family members in attendance.
Meningicoccal disease is contagious but the Vancouver Island Health Authority and UVic health services staff determined that few people were ever at risk of contracting it. Chan lived in on-campus housing.
"If a person is exposed to the nose or throat secretions of someone who is carrying that germ they may be exposed themselves," said Dr. Murray Fyfe, medical health officer for VIHA. "It's (contracted) through very close contact - that would be like kissing, or sharing food or drinks or cigarettes. And when we have a case like this, the people who are in the same household or sharing sleeping arrangements may also be at a higher risk."
Since the young man's death on Jan. 18, health authorities identified 19 people - including 17 in Greater Victoria - as being at risk of exposure. All have been given a preventive vaccine and antibiotic.
"Any individual that was considered to be in his closest contact group was contacted immediately, and has received the treatment," said UVic spokesperson Patty Pitts.
However, simply sharing a classroom with the infected student does not merit cause for alarm. "(Classmates) don't have to worry about it," Fyfe said.
The student was admitted to Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria on Jan. 14 and died in hospital four days later.
The symptoms of meningicoccal disease include weakness, fatigue and fever, and Fyfye said they progress "very rapidly."
The disease can cause meningitis, the swelling of lining in the brain, but that was not the case in this incident.
In 2011, there were two deaths in the province related to meningicoccal disease among the 12 cases reported. In 2010, there was one death in B.C., and 11 reported cases of the disease.
"It's a very rare infection. When we have a case like this, we don't usually see an increase of (meningicoccal disease diagnoses) in the community," Fyfe said. "The vast majority of people are not affected by (the disease). Up to 10 per cent of the population has one strain or another in their throat that they carry, and it doesn't cause illness in most people."
The medical health officer recommended not sharing food, drinks or cigarettes to avoid the spread of meningicoccal germs. Certain strains of the disease also have vaccines.
There have been UVic students in the past who have contracted meningicoccal disease, but no one had died until last week's case, Pitts said.
UVic is offering counselling services and support to those affected by the student's death.
For more information on meningicoccal disease, visit viha.ca/mho/disease/meningococcal_disease.htm.
- with files from Sarah Payne, The Tri-City News.
