August 31, 2012 – Public Health Invites Community to Free Presentation by Renowned Infection Control Expert on September 20
The Peterborough Public Health announced today that renowned infection control expert Dr. Dick Zoutman will be giving a free presentation on preventing hospital-acquired infections at the Evinrude Centre on Thursday, September 20, 2012 beginning at 6:30 p.m.
“Hospitals are implementing some amazing programs to reduce the spread of infections” said Edwina Dusome, Manager of Infectious Disease Programs at Public Health. “With hospital-acquired infections in the news so much we wanted to provide this unique educational opportunity for local residents.”
Entitled Saving Countless Lives: What’s New in Infection Control in Hospitals, Dr. Zoutman will share the latest in hospital-based infection control methods designed to protect patients, staff and the community at large. Learn about a novel Canadian technological advance that reduces the risk of hospital infections. As part of the event, guests will also have a chance to find out how well they wash their hands through an interactive demonstration after the presentation.
Known for his engaging presentation style, Dr. Zoutman is Professor of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, of Community Health & Epidemiology, and of Medicine at Queen’s University. A primary focus of his investigative work has been the use of modern quality improvement methods in the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections as well as new sterilization and disinfection methods. During the 2003 outbreak of SARS in Toronto Dr. Zoutman chaired the Ontario SARS Scientific Advisory Committee responsible for advising the Ontario Government on management strategies of the SARS outbreak. Dr. Zoutman has recently assumed the role of Chief of Staff at Quinte Healthcare Corporation.
The September 20 presentation is free and open to all and following Dr. Zoutman’s presentation there will be a question and answer session. To register, please call (705)743-1000 ext. 135 or do so online here.
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For further information, please contact:
Marilyn Mitchell, RN
Public Health Nurse
(705) 743-1000, ext. 270
Start your prenatal education early in pregnancy by attending this informative, hands-on event. The Fair is offered two times a year. It showcases displays and demonstrations on a wide variety of topics of interest to both expectant parents and their friends and families. Health professionals and community partners share information, answer your questions, and link you to the many services that can help you on your journey to becoming a parent. Dads-to-be won’t want to miss the Empathy Belly and fathering displays.
Enjoy refreshments and a chance to win door prizes. The fair is hosted by the Peterborough Public Health.
Next Prenatal Health Fair is:
Monday September 24, 2012
6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Holiday Inn, 150 George Street, Peterborough
August 28, 2012 – Peterborough community leaders gathered today to raise awareness of overdose deaths and injuries – a danger that is expected to increase. International Overdose Awareness Day is officially this Friday, August 31.
Often before a long weekend such as the one coming, emergency and health professionals are reminding the public to drive safely. Today, they gathered to recognize that the number of deaths caused by overdoses are comparable to traffic fatalities.
Peterborough City and County loses an average of 17 lives each year due to overdoses on alcohol and other drugs. Opioids such as Fentanyl, Oxycontin, methadone, morphine, heroin etc. were involved in 40% of fatal overdoses and 47% involved alcohol.
Bob English, Chief of Peterborough Paramedics noted that “Non-fatal overdoses are also a burden on individual health and the health care system. In 2011, Peterborough EMS transported 208 patients whose primary problem was recorded as an overdose, and 32 patients whose primary problem was charted as a toxicological emergency.”
Even these numbers likely underestimate the scope of the overdose problem as many do not call for emergency help during an overdose incident for fear of arrest. Chief Murray Rodd hopes to change this and encourage people to call 911 during an overdose incident. Chief Rodd stated: “If we have one take-home message for Overdose Awareness Day, it would be – call 911. We are clear as a police service that our primary concern in an overdose emergency is the safety and security of individuals involved. To encourage the calling of 911, our officers are being advised that our focus will be on saving lives – not on laying drug charges.”
Citizens and agencies involved with the Peterborough Drug Strategy, including PARN-Your Community AIDS Resource Network, the VON 360 Clinic, Peterborough Public Health, local police, and EMS intend to roll out overdose awareness & prevention training in Peterborough City & County later this year.
Medical Officer of Health Rosana Salvaterra recognized the need for this harm reduction measure:
“Recent changes in the availability of OxyContin have made us concerned that people are at increased risk of overdose, as they switch to drugs of uncertain potency such as Fentanyl or heroin. Much research affirms that overdose prevention saves lives. We’re committed to rolling out this important public health service here.”
Overdose prevention efforts will include information and training sessions on how to avoid an overdose and also on how to respond to an overdose emergency. This includes recognizing an overdose, calling 911, the rescue position and basic CPR that can sustain a life until the ambulance arrives.
It is hoped that Naloxone provision will be included as part of local overdose prevention efforts in the future. Naloxone can be injected into someone overdosing on opioids to temporarily revive and restore breathing. Similar to an epi-pen, Naloxone can buy time until medical help arrives. Larger cities such as Toronto and Ottawa already distribute Naloxone. Agency partners in Peterborough intend to learn from their experiences and are exploring similar implementation here.
More information on overdose awareness and prevention in Peterborough City and County can be found on the Peterborough Drug Strategy’s website at www.drugstrategy.ca.
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For more information contact:
Suzanne Galloway
Health Promoter, Substance Misuse Prevention Program
Peterborough Public Health
sgalloway@peterboroughpublichealth.ca Ph: 705.743.1000 Ext. 223 Fax: 705.743.2897
August 27, 2012 – Public Health Advises Residents to Protect Themselves Against Mosquito Bites
The Peterborough Public Health is advising the public that mosquitoes in the City of Peterborough have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The mosquitoes were trapped August 20th, 21st and 22nd, 2012.
This is the fourth positive mosquito pool found within the City of Peterborough this year. As of last week, 312 positive mosquito pools had been found in Ontario. There have been 49 confirmed and probable human cases of the virus in the province with no deaths. In 2011, there were 136 positive mosquito pools reported the same time this year with 24 confirmed and probable human cases.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has reported an alarming increase in the number of human cases. Over 1,100 cases have been reported, three times as many as usually seen this time of year. There have been 41 deaths reported to the CDC. Over half the human cases have been reported in Texas.
There have been no human cases of WNV identified in Peterborough City or County. Most people who are bitten by an infected mosquito will not show any symptoms. In rare cases, there may be more serious symptoms including high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion and tremors. Older adults are usually more affected than children. Individuals experiencing severe headache, fever, body ache, nausea, vomiting and rash, should consult a physician. Symptoms usually develop between 2 and 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Although the risk of becoming infected is low, prevention against bites is the best protection. Residents are strongly advised to use personal protective measures while outdoors to avoid mosquito bites. These measures include:
- using a Health Canada approved insect repellant containing DEET
- wearing light-coloured clothing and covering up when in areas where mosquitoes are present
- taking extra precautions, especially in early morning and early evening, when mosquitoes are most active
- remove standing water around your home and vacation property
It is extremely important that residents continue to eliminate standing water on their properties which may serve as mosquito breeding sites. For additional information on protection measures against West Nile virus such as reducing mosquito breeding sites and the safe use of insect repellents, please consult Public Health’s website at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
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For further information, please contact:
Dylan Mahoney
Vector-borne Disease Prevention Program
Peterborough Public Health
705-743- 1000, ext. 340
A FREE event for everyone…
Saving Countless Lives: What’s New in Infection Control in Hospitals
Listen to our Radio Ad for this event!
Evinrude CentreDr. Dick Zoutman
Infection Control Expert
Thursday, September 20, 2012
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Q & A till 8:00 p.m.
911 Monaghan Rd., Peterborough
Register below or call
705-743-1000, ext. 139
[contact-form-7 id=”2413″ title=”Contact form Test”]
August 21, 2012 – Today Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health, became the latest adult to get immunized against whooping cough (pertussis) to protect her brand new grandson from catching the potentially deadly disease.
“As a new grandparent, I wanted to make sure my vaccinations were up to date so I wouldn’t inadvertently expose my infant grandson to pertussis which can be fatal to young babies,” said Dr. Salvaterra. “We are advising everyone over the age of 14 years to get their free pertussis booster shot as soon as possible to protect themselves as well as others from whooping cough.”
While not linked to the other outbreaks happening across Southwestern Ontario, Peterborough Public Health has confirmed 15 local pertussis cases so far this year. The number of provincial cases has slowed somewhat over the summer but Dr. Salvaterra noted this could change with the resumption of school in September.
The province’s publicly funded immunization program was expanded in 2011 to provide the tetanus booster that also contains pertussis protection for free to adults between the ages of 19 and 64.
Adults, especially those who are in regular contact with children (such as day care workers, parents, and babysitters), are particularly encouraged to get immunized.
Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial disease that spreads from an infected person to others through coughing or sneezing. Symptoms are initially mild, and then develop into severe coughing fits. This cough can last for weeks and makes it hard for a child to eat, drink or even breathe. Pertussis can also cause prolonged cough illness in adolescents and adults.
Violent coughing can cause a person to vomit or stop breathing for a short period of time. Infants are at a greater risk of serious complications which include pneumonia, brain damage and seizures.
Immunization is the best defense against pertussis. Residents can ask for the vaccine from their health care provider. Residents without a health care provider can call the Public Health at 705-743-1000 to book an appointment in the Routine Immunization Clinic.
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For further information, please contact:
Jan Self
Public Health Nurse
Peterborough Public Health
705-743-1000, ext. 262
August 15, 2012 – Health Canada has issued a recall notice for Bumbo baby seats, and is encouraging consumers to register to obtain a free retrofit kit. For further information, please visit the Health Canada website.
August 8, 2012 – You are invited to download Peterborough Public Health’s 2011 Annual Report for a summary of our accomplishments last year. Through targeted programs and by developing better health policies, Public Health works to improve the living conditions of those in need for the benefit of all.
Last year, significant headway was made in key areas, such as expanding dental care to low-income families, enhancing services for better maternal and infant health, and using technology to dialogue with youth about important health information for them. In addition, Public Health produced several reports addressing important health issues in our community to guide positive change, especially for our most vulnerable residents.
The report is available in paperless format to reduce the impact on the environment. We hope the 2011 Annual Report will provide you with a better understanding of the work we do and our efforts to improve the health of everyone in the community. Your feedback is important to us as we strive to enhance our partnerships. Feel free to send us your comments at info@peterboroughpublichealth.ca .
August 6, 2012 – Public Health Continues to Monitor Forecast for Extreme Heat Conditions
With the forecast of cooler temperatures and less humid air, Peterborough Public Health is lifting the Heat Alert issued on Friday, August 3, 2012 effective today, Monday, August 6, 2012.
The Public Health has adopted a series of extreme heat thresholds designed to advise the public, health professionals and community service providers on appropriate measures they can take to reduce the health effects of hot, humid and smoggy weather. These advisories, comprised of a Heat Alert, Heat Warning and Heat Emergency, are issued when a hot or humid air mass is forecast and weather related health effects may occur.
While the Heat Alert has been lifted, residents are reminded to take precautions in hot weather, including drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, keeping their homes cool and staying out of the heat whenever possible. The Public Health will continue to monitor the weather forecasts throughout the summer and issue heat alerts, warnings or emergencies when forecasted. Further information about staying healthy in extreme heat conditions and Public Health’s Heat Alert and Response System can be found on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca .
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For further information, please contact:
Julie Ingram
Public Health Inspector
(705) 743-1000, ext. 351
August 3, 2012 – Mosquitoes Carrying The Virus Are On The Rise In The Province
Ontarians need to continue taking proper precautions to reduce their risk of contracting West Nile Virus as the number of mosquitoes with the virus is on the rise across the province, especially in Southern Ontario.
Eighty-nine positive mosquito pools have been found in the province to date, which is the highest for the same time period since 2002.
The province is also seeing probable and confirmed human cases of West Nilevirus, which typically start to occur in August and September.
Dr. Doug Sider,Ontario’s Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, is reminding Ontarians to continue protecting themselves from mosquito bites by:
- Wearing light-coloured clothing, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when outdoors
- Using insect repellent containing DEET, and following the directions carefully
- Avoiding the outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
- Repairing or replacing screens on windows and doors to avoid mosquitoes entering your home.
It is also important for Ontarians to reduce prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes by draining standing water from around their home on a regular basis.
Most people who contract West Nilevirus will not exhibit any symptoms or may experience mild illness including fever, headache, body ache, nausea, vomiting and rash on the chest, stomach or back. More serious symptoms can include muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, tremors, numbness and sudden sensitivity to light. Symptoms usually develop between two to15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
QUOTE
“I encourage Ontarians to take proper precautions to avoid mosquito bites and prevent infection. If mosquitoes can’t get to you, you won’t get bitten.”
— Dr. Doug Sider, Ontario’s Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health
QUICK FACTS
- Mosquito pools are catch basins set and monitored by local public health units across the province as part of aWest Nilevirus surveillance program. The mosquitos are collected and tested weekly.
- One confirmed human case, one travel-related human case and four probable human cases of West Nile virus have been reported to date in Ontario this year.
- In 2011, a total of 78 confirmed and probable human cases of West Nile virus were reported.
LEARN MORE
Tori Gass, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
416-314-6197
ontario.ca/health-new