A A A

July 28, 2017 – Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is advising the public that mosquitoes in the City of Peterborough have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV).  The mosquitoes were trapped from July 17 to 19, 2017.

This is the first positive mosquito pool found in Peterborough this year.  During the summer months and early fall, PPH sets five traps weekly; three traps are in fixed locations and two others rotate throughout the Peterborough City and County.

“Now that we’ve identified mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus in our area, it’s especially important that residents take care to prevent mosquito bites,” said Wanda Tonus, Public Health Inspector. “This is a good reminder for residents to eliminate any standing water in their yards and to take personal protective measures to avoid mosquito bites.”

Ms. Tonus noted that the majority of WNV cases do not show symptoms. About 20% of infected people will experience mild illness with such symptoms as fever, headache, and body aches, occasionally with a skin rash and swollen lymph nodes that last several days. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or eye pain. Symptoms usually develop 2 to 14 days after receiving a bite from an infected mosquito. Less than 1% of infected people will develop neurological symptoms.

Although the risk of becoming infected is low, prevention against bites is the best protection.  Individuals can protect themselves from bites in several ways:

  • Cover up when going outside between the hours of dusk and dawn. Remember to wear:
    • a long-sleeved shirt or jacket and long pants (tucked into your socks for extra protection)
    • light-coloured clothing
  • Clean up:
    • once a week, get rid of standing water around your home in places such as bird baths, eavestroughs, wheelbarrows and flower pots etc. (mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, even small amounts)
    • keep bushes and shrubs clear of overgrowth and debris (adult mosquitoes like to rest in dense shrubbery)
    • turn your compost pile often
  • Use insect repellent containing DEET. (DEET is a powerful chemical. Read the label carefully and apply as directed You can also ask your pharmacist for help when choosing a DEET product.)

For additional information on protection measures against West Nile virus such as reducing mosquito breeding sites and the safe use of insect repellents, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

-30-

For further information, please contact:

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

 

 

July 13 – Local Public Health Partners Remind Residents about Smoke-Free Laws

Peterborough Public Health is partnering with Peterborough Police, The City of Peterborough, and Peterborough Musicfest to remind residents and visitors that both the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and the Peterborough Smoking Bylaw prohibit smoking in area parks, playgrounds, beaches and sports fields.

“Smoking rates continue to decline, however, many people believe that smoking outdoors is harmless, when in fact there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Actively enforcing the current bylaw will both protect people from toxic secondhand smoke and support a reduction in smoking rates.”

She noted that smoking in Peterborough at a park, playground, or beach (including Peterborough Musicfest events and ball diamonds) could result in a fine up to $305.  Peterborough Police and Public Health Tobacco Enforcement Officers will be enforcing the rules in parks this summer.

Dr. Salvaterra said the good news is that the norms are changing, and that a recent study showed support was significantly higher for smoke-free outdoor spaces in 2015 than it was five years before, as more people are ready for and want smoke-free outdoor spaces.  “Smoke?free public spaces provide a supportive environment for people who wish to stop smoking, and many people see positive, smoke-free role-modelling as especially important for our youth,” she said.

“We know that two-thirds of Peterborough residents who smoke want to quit smoking in the next six months, and smoke-free parks will play a part in those quit attempts,” Dr. Salvaterra added.

Help is available for those who want to quit smoking by calling Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000, ext. 330.

-30-

For further information, please contact:
Keith Beecroft
Health Promoter, Tobacco Use Prevention
705-743-1000, ext. 238
OR
Courtney Howe
Tobacco Enforcement Officer
705-743-1000, ext. 245

July 6, 2017 – Today Peterborough Public Health paid tribute to the 20,000 food handlers who have been certified to protect the public from foodborne illness since the Food Handler Training Certification course began in 1997.

“Today’s group of 25 students helps us reach an important milestone of 20,000 certified safe food handlers since 1997 who have taken their skills out into the community, to keep us all safe from foodborne illnesses,” said Atul Jain, Manager of Environmental Health programs.  “This event recognizes the role we all play in protecting public health, especially since the knowledge gained by these students is used both in their homes as well as in their workplaces.”

Mr. Jain noted that ensuring the community has strong food handling skills is an important preventative measure for public health, which is why the course continues to be offered at no charge to local residents.  Since 1997, Peterborough Public Health has run a total of 994 food handler courses, including the one that took place today.

Public Health Inspectors train food handlers in Peterborough City, County and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations to ensure that all restaurants, long-term care homes, supermarkets, butcher shops, chip trucks and other food premises are preparing foods safely according to public health standards.  The Food Handler Training and Certification course teaches participants how to identify foodborne illness and food safety hazards, safe food handling process and correct cleaning and sanitizing techniques.

On January 1, 2015, a Food Handler Certification by-law came into place in both the City and County of Peterborough requiring all high and moderate risk food premises to have at least one certified food handler working in a supervisory capacity on site at all times.  High-risk food premises are those that handle food with multiple preparation steps, and/or who serve people at greatest health risks for food-borne illnesses, such as nursing homes, hospitals and some restaurants.  Moderate-risk food premises include fast-food establishments, chip trucks and bakeries that have fewer preparation steps and generally serve healthier populations.

If you would like to register for the Food Handler Training and Certification Course visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca or call 705-743-1000, ext. 240.

-30-

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