June 13 – Peterborough Public Health is advising residents to avoid mosquito bites this season and reduce breeding grounds in order to prevent the spread of West Nile virus.

“With the damp spring so far, we could see more mosquitoes this year so it’s even more important to protect yourself by cleaning up and covering up,” says Wanda Tonus, Public Health Inspector.  “Meanwhile we continue to look for evidence of West Nile virus throughout our area to monitor its spread in Ontario.”

Peterborough Public Health staff trap mosquitoes and test larvae from standing water pools throughout the City and County of Peterborough.  In 2016 staff collected more than 5,000 local mosquitoes and none tested positive for West Nile virus.  In 2016, Public Health Ontario reports that across the province there were 211 positive mosquito pools and 49 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus.

How do you protect yourself?

Clean Up:

• Continually empty standing water that mosquitoes need to lay their eggs. This includes flower pots, wheel barrows, pool covers, old tires and garbage/recycling cans.
• Fill in low depressions in your lawn.
• Change water in bird baths at least once a week.
• Clean out dense bushes and shrubs where mosquitoes can rest.
• Turn over compost pile on a regular basis.
• Ensure window and door screens fit tightly and do not have holes.

Cover Up:

• Use federally-registered personal insect repellant on exposed skin, such as products containing DEET.
• When appropriate weather, wear protective clothing outside. This includes long sleeved shirts, jackets, long pants, hats, socks – choose to wear light coloured clothing as mosquitoes tend to be attracted to darker colours.

What are the symptoms of West Nile virus?

Approximately 80% of those infected with West Nile virus do not show any symptoms.  Of the 20% that do show symptoms, most experience mild illness with symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Skin rash
• Occasionally, vomiting and nausea

Less than 1% of those infected with West Nile virus experience severe illness involving the central nervous system.  In its most serious state, West Nile virus infection can cause an inflammation in the brain, otherwise known as encephalitis.

For more information on mosquitoes and West Nile virus please contact the Vector Borne Disease Program at Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000, ext. 240.

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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391

Audio clip:

Well the season is upon us when Peterborough Public Health starts monitoring for evidence of West Nile virus in local mosquitoes.  Residents can help the situation by making sure to dump any standing water in flower pots, wheel barrows, children’s toys, or old tires on their property to help reduce mosquito populations.  It’s been a wet spring, so we strongly recommend that everyone take precautions by covering up skin where you can and using insect repellent with DEET.

June 12, 2017 – Today Peterborough Public Health is issuing the first Heat Warning of the season.  Temperatures are expected to reach near 31 degrees Monday with an overnight low near 20 degrees Monday night.  This current heatwave has been spreading across southern Ontario for more than two days and is expected to affect the Peterborough area today only.  Temperatures are expected to fall below heat alert criteria on Tuesday.

People suffer heat-related illnesses when their body temperature quickly rises and they are unable to cool themselves. The risk of heat-related illness increases with the amount of time spent in the heat, the temperature and an individual’s sensitivity to heat. If you feel faint, find it hard to breathe, or feel confused and disoriented because of the heat, call your doctor. In an emergency, call 911.

Please remember to call or visit family, friends and neighbours, especially seniors who live on their own, to make sure they are alright.

Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. This decreases your risk of dehydration. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.

Peterborough Public Health issues warnings for high heat or humidity that is expected to last two or more days.  Peterborough Public Health follows a provincial Harmonized Heat Warning and Information System for dealing with heat events affecting Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, and the City and County of Peterborough.

Peterborough Public Health staff will monitor this system to determine when the Medical Officer of Health should declare a heat warning or extended heat warning.  This coordinated provincial system provides a consistent approach for processing and issuing heat warnings in Ontario.  It also provides evidence-based heat warning triggers which are founded on the association between temperature, humidex and mortality.

Extreme heat events are a potentially significant health risk and can have a severe impact on the health of vulnerable populations including infants, the elderly, shut-ins, persons with chronic diseases, the morbidly obese and the marginally housed.  Heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are preventable.

Extreme heat is often accompanied by poor air quality.  Peterborough Public Health encourages you to monitor the Air Quality Health Index found as a link on the Ministry of the Environment & Climate Change’s website www.airqualityontario.com and plan outdoor activities accordingly.

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For further information, please contact:

Wanda Tonus
Public Health Inspector
705-743-1000, ext. 285

June 9, 2017 – Location: North Kawartha Community Centre, Apsley

Media and the community are advised that the next Board of Health meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. at the North Kawartha Community Centre Banquet Hall, 340 McFadden Road, in Apsley, ON.

To download the agenda and the online board package, please visit:
www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/about-us/about-us-2/board-of-health/meeting-agendas

This meeting is open to the community and members of the media.

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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391

June 8, 2017 –  Residents Advised to Take Precautions and Be Tick Smart

The first Lyme disease-positive tick of the season has been identified by Peterborough Public Health.

“The public health lab confirmed this week that a tick submitted recently by a local resident tested positive for Lyme disease,” said Atul Jain, Manager of Environmental Health programs.  “Ticks can be as small as a sesame seed and their bites are usually painless, so this serves as a good reminder to be on the lookout for ticks and to bring in any ticks you find on people to Peterborough Public Health for identification.”

Jain noted that the precise origin of the infected tick is not known, but it is believed to have come from either southern Peterborough County or northern Northumberland County.  Peterborough Public Health is closely monitoring for evidence of infected ticks in our area, and encourages residents to submit ticks.  When bringing a tick to Peterborough Public Health, please be aware that only ticks found on humans will be submitted for identification and testing.  Any ticks found on pets or other animals should be taken to a veterinarian.

What to do if you find a tick:

If you do locate a tick on your body, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible and pull the tick straight out.  Save the tick in an empty screw-top bottle or zipper-closed bag and take it to Peterborough Public Health located at 185 King St., Peterborough. The tick will then be sent away to a public health laboratory for identification. A tick can be submitted to Peterborough Public Health Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

When submitting a tick you will need to provide the following information:

• Full name (including middle initial) and date of birth of the person to whom the tick was attached;
• Location on the body where the tick was found;
• Approximate length of time the tick was attached;
• Where the tick was acquired, along with recent travel history;
• Record of any symptoms; and
• Your healthcare provider’s name and city of practice.

Lyme disease is gaining the attention of health officials because cases in Ontario are increasing.  In 2016, residents submitted 114 ticks to Peterborough Public Health, and of the three that tested positive for Lyme disease, one of those came from the local area.  So far in 2017, 68 ticks have been submitted to Peterborough Public Health for examination, including the one that recently tested positive for Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is a potentially serious illness and growing health risk across Ontario.  It is caused by the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. While not all blacklegged ticks carry Lyme disease, populations of infected blacklegged ticks are spreading throughout Ontario.  Some areas close to the areas served by Peterborough Public Health, are already considered endemic with infected blacklegged ticks.

Preventing tick bites:

The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to avoid getting bitten by ticks in areas where they live, such as tall grasses and wooded habitats.  Before heading out, wear long, light-coloured clothing and tuck pant legs into socks. Spray an insect repellent containing DEET on your clothes. Check for ticks when you return from the outdoors, and it’s a good idea to shower after to wash off any ticks that may be crawling on your body.

The signs of Lyme disease can be categorized in three stages. However, the first sign is usually a circular rash in the shape of a bull’s eye. Other additional symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes. For more details on precautions and symptoms of Lyme disease, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca click on “My Home & Environment” and go to “Lyme disease.”

For more information on tick submission or general inquiries about ticks please contact the Vector Borne Disease Program at Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000, ext. 240.

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391

June 5, 2017 – Peterborough Public Health Kicks off Beach Water Quality Testing Today

Follow @Ptbohealth on Twitter for Regular Updates

With the official summer countdown underway, Public Health Inspectors from Peterborough Public Health (PPH) started beach sampling for this year’s swimming season today.  Public beaches in the city and county and Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations will be regularly tested to ensure water quality conditions are safe for recreational use.

Local residents can find the most recent status of public beaches at any time by visiting www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca or by calling PPH at 705-743-1000, ext. 232 during office hours.  Residents are also encouraged to follow Peterborough Public Health on Twitter @Ptbohealth for beach updates throughout the summer.

The routine inspection program for all public beaches runs from June until August. The city beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead are sampled by Public Health Inspectors every business day, and public beaches in the county are sampled at least once a week, except for Chandos Beach, Quarry Bay Beach, White’s Beach, Belmont Lake Beach and Kasshabog Lake Beach which are sampled at least once in June, July and August.

Though PPH will always maintain its inspection schedule, the following may result in unsafe levels of bacteria between sampling periods:

• Heavy rainfall High winds or wave activity
• Large numbers of water fowl                                                  l
• large numbers of swimmers

Some things that you are able to do to ensure the water quality stays safe:

• Do not feed waterfowl
• Do not let children swim in soiled diapers
• Pick up your garbage
• Clean up after your dog

Water samples will be submitted to the Peterborough Public Health Ontario Laboratory for bacteriological analysis.  The water samples are going to be tested for E. coli bacteria, an indicator of fecal contamination in the water. It takes approximately 24 hours for PPH to receive and analyze the water quality results from the lab.

How to Interpret Water Quality Results:

The following beaches will be tested for the 2017 summer months:

City of Peterborough Beaches:
• Beavermead Park (2011 Ashburnham Drive)               • Roger’s Cove (131 Maria Street)

Peterborough County Beaches:

• Belmont Lake Beach (Miles of Memories Rd., Belmont, Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen)
• Buckhorn Beach (John St., Buckhorn, Township of Trent Lakes)

• Chandos Beach (Hwy 620, Township of North Kawartha)
• Crowe’s Line Beach (Crowe’s Line Rd., Township of Trent Lakes)
• Curve Lake Lance Wood Park (Whetung St. E., Curve Lake First Nation)
• Curve Lake Henry’s Gumming (Chemong St. S., Curve Lake First Nation)
• Douro Beach (205 Douro Second Line, Township of Douro-Dummer)
• Ennismore Waterfront Park (1053 Ennis Rd., Ennismore, Township of Selwyn)
• Hiawatha Beach (1 Lakeshore Rd., Hiawatha First Nation)
• Jones Beach ( 908 Jones Beach Rd., Bridgenorth, Selwyn Township)

• Kasshabog Lake Beach (431 Peninsula Rd., Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen)
• Lakefield Beach (100 Hague Boulevard,  Lakefield, Selwyn Township)
• Norwood (12 Belmont St., Norwood, Township of Asphodel-Norwood)
• Quarry Bay (1986 Northey’s Bay Rd.,  Woodview, Township of North Kawartha)
• Sandy Beach (Lakehurst Rd., Township of Trent Lakes)
• Selwyn Conservation Area (2251 Birch Island Rd., Selwyn Township)
• Squirrel Creek Conservation Area (2445 Wallace Point Rd., Fraserville, Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan)
• Warsaw Caves Conservation Area (289 Caves Rd., Warsaw, Township of Douro-Dummer)

• White’s Beach (Clearview Dr., Township of Trent Lakes)

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence

Communications Manager

705-743-1000, ext. 391

May 31, 2017 – Celebrating Community Leaders in Commercial Tobacco Use Prevention for Better Public Health

Today is World No Tobacco Day, and to celebrate Peterborough Public Health recognized several local residents and organizations for their leadership creating a tobacco-wise community here at home.

“It really is a David and Goliath story.  Our 2017 Tobacco-Wise Champions are the ‘Davids’ who are making a dent against the gargantuan tobacco industry with its deceptive marketing tactics, strong lobbying efforts and deep pockets,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health for Peterborough Public Health.  “They are shining examples of Peterborough’s leadership in commercial tobacco use prevention, and remind us that while we’ve made great headway over the years to denormalize it, we must remain vigilant if we truly want Ontario to have the lowest smoking rates in the country so our next generation can grow up smoke-free and tobacco-wise.”

There were a total of 10 awards recipients from municipalities, schools and school boards, healthcare services, housing providers, and community organizations.  The awards were handed out in three categories. First, the “Exceeding the Standards Act Award” recognized organizations and municipalities who have introduced policies that go beyond the Smoke Free Ontario Act. Next, the “Cessation or Prevention Award” honoured schools and organizations that prevent people from starting to use tobacco products, as well as helping them quit smoking and remaining tobacco free. Finally, the “Community Leader Award” celebrated individuals and organizations who contribute to smoking prevention and cessation in our community.

Dr. Salvaterra noted that tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Ontario. Each year, smoking and exposure to second-hand-smoke results in 13,000 deaths provincially.  Locally, the use of commercial tobacco products kills approximately 130 Peterborough residents each year. For more information on smoke-free policies, tobacco-wise living or supports for quitting smoking, please contact Peterborough Public Health, or visit the Smoke Free Places page on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

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For further information, please contact:

Keith Beecroft

Health Promoter, Tobacco Use Prevention Program

705-743-1000, ext. 238

May 30, 2017 -Peterborough Public Health Activates Heat Warning System

With summer quickly approaching and warmer temperatures imminent, Peterborough Public Health has activated its Heat Warning and Information System (HWIS) to advise residents of the best way to protect their health when temperatures soar.

Environment and Climate Change Canada will issue Heat Warnings 18 to 24 hours in advance of the heat event. Forecasters will assess if two or more consecutive days of weather that meet either the humidex or temperature criteria (daytime highs or nighttime lows) are expected in the region. If so, a Heat Warning will be issued.  Information about these warning levels is available on the Extreme Weather – Heat webpage on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and outlined below.

The Ontario Heat Warning Protocol includes two warning levels:

Level 1: Heat Warning

A  Heat Warning is issued when two consecutive days are forecasted to have a daytime high temperature greater than or equal to 31C AND a nighttime temperature greater than or equal to 20C or a humidex greater than 40.  This level of reminds residents of the following core messages: to keep their home cool, stay out of the heat, keep the body cool and hydrated, assist others, and recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion.

Level 2: Extended Heat Warning

An Extended Heat Warning will be issued for a heat event lasting three or more days.  This level of warning reminds residents of the core messages above, in addition to providing details on how and where to stay cool, advising suspension of strenuous outdoor activities, reminders to assist vulnerable groups, and to watch for further information through the media and the Public Health website.

Extreme heat events are a potentially significant health risk and can have a severe impact on the health of vulnerable populations including infants, the elderly, shut-ins, persons with chronic diseases, the morbidly obese and the marginally housed.  Heat related illnesses such as dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are preventable.  Most healthy people can tolerate a short period of hot and humid weather as long as they stay cool and drink plenty of fluids. It is important to be aware that some medications may increase the health risks from extreme heat events.

Peterborough Public Health encourages all stakeholders to advise vulnerable clients of the heat advisory system and precautions they can take to prevent and manage heat related illness.

How to Protect Yourself During Hot Weather:

• Drink lots of water and natural fruit juices even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee and cola.
• Avoid going out in the direct sun or heat when possible. If you must go outside, stay in the shade as much as possible and plan to go out early in the morning or evening when it is cooler.
• Go to air conditioned or cool places such as shopping malls, libraries, community centres or a friend’s place.
• If you don’t have air conditioning, keep shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home, but keep windows slightly open.
• Wear loose fitting, light clothing and a wide brimmed hat.
• Keep lights off or turned down low.
• Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.
• Avoid heavy meals and using your oven.
• Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity.
• If you are taking medication or have a health condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it increases your health risk in the heat and follow their recommendations.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• heavy sweating
• muscle cramps
• weakness
• headache
• fainting
• paleness, tiredness
• dizziness, nausea

During heat warnings The City of Peterborough will be opening up extended hours, from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the One Roof Community Centre, located at 99 Brock Street.  Air conditioned public facilities are also available to city and county residents seeking a place to cool off, such as shopping malls, community centres, arenas and libraries.  Residents are advised to phone the cooling centres in advance to determine hours of operation.

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For further information, please contact:

Wanda Tonus

Public Health Inspector

705-743-1000 ext. 285

May 17, 2017 – To view the meeting summary for the May 10 Board of Health Meeting click image below:

170510 Board of Health Meeting summary May 10

May 11, 2017 – Healthy Kids Community Challenge Wraps Up “Water Does Wonders” Campaign at Apsley Public School

Today, every student at Apsley Public School took home a complimentary reusable water bottle to celebrate the “Water Does Wonders” campaign, thanks to the support of the Healthy Kids Community Challenge (HKCC), Peterborough.

“The County is so proud to be a part of the amazing and important work of the Healthy Kids Community Challenge team,” said Joe Taylor, Warden of Peterborough County who attended today’s school assembly. “Our most precious resource is our children! We need to help to educate and empower them to make smart, healthy and active lifestyle choices – with simple things like drinking more water, eating more fruits and vegetables and getting outside to play! We have such an amazing region full of active lifestyle choices and farmers markets and stores selling locally grown fruits and vegetables. I encourage everyone, young and old to participate in this important initiative and get out and enjoy Peterborough County.”

The “Water Does Wonders” campaign started in July 2016 and ended in March 2017 with the goal to promote water as the healthiest drink for kids.

This campaign involved making water more available in key settings such as recreation facilities. The Township of North Kawartha partnered with the HKCC to install water filling stations at the North Kawartha Community Centre and the Wilson Park Community Centre. The Township of North Kawartha also requested water bottles for the children in their community and decided to distribute the bottles to the entire public school student body.

In February, 17 local elementary schools took part in different water month activities. Most elementary schools in the region have received water resource packs to assist in the support of student health and wellbeing. Both Apsley Public School and St. Alphonsus Catholic Elementary School will receive a school set of water bottles.

HKCC encourages all families and organizations to visit www.waterdoeswonders.ca for more information and to consider “Taking the Pledge”.  Stay connected with HKCC to learn about upcoming opportunities that are part of the third theme: “Choose to Boost Veggies and Fruit” which runs from April 2017 to December 2017. The goal of this theme is to promote and support kids in our region to eat more vegetables and fruit, and try to include one in every meal and snack.

Find HKCC on Facebook (HKCC Peterborough), Twitter (@HKCCPtbo), or on the web (www.sustainablepeterborough.ca).

The Healthy Kids Community Challenge is a community program where partners from different sectors work together to organize activities that promote and support healthy behaviours for children, including healthy eating and physical activity.

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For further information, please contact:

Deanna Moher, MPH

Healthy Kids Community Challenge Project Coordinator

705-743-1000, ext. 355

dmoher@peterboroughpublichealth.ca

May 6, 2017 – Peterborough Public Health is reminding the public about drinking water safety following the recent notification from the City of Peterborough that the Peterborough Wastewater Treatment Plant is in by-pass mode.

“The good news is that wastewater entering the Otonabee River is still 99% treated so with the current volumes and rate of flow there  should be no significant risk to those downstream and there is no serious risk to public health,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “However, this is still a good reminder to all residents who draw water from wells to take the necessary precautions when flooding occurs to prevent illness.”

People who live south of the sewage treatment plant and draw their water from the river should check that their water treatment systems are functioning properly. Residents are advised to ensure their wells are safe by testing regularly and using a method of disinfection prior to drinking, especially during flooding periods. Water from flooded wells can be treated and made safe for drinking by rapidly boiling the water for at least one minute or by adding two drops of household bleach per one liter of water, stirring, and allowing the water to sit for 30 minutes before use.

Residents who live on the municipal water system are not impacted.

Further information about well water safety, well testing, and how to stay safe during a flood can be found online at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence

705-743-1000, ext. 391