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Residents are encouraged to get up to date with their measles vaccines

Measles cases are rapidly increasing globally. In Ontario, five cases of measles have been reported over the past few weeks. Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is strongly urging residents, especially parents of young children, to review their immunization records and get up to date with measles vaccines.

“There are cases in the country being linked to travel. For those travelling this time of year, we are urging residents to avoid bringing home measles as their souvenir,” says Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health and CEO for Peterborough Public Health. “Measles is a highly infectious virus that can be deadly for those who are not protected. Receiving a vaccine is the best protection against an infection.”

Dr. Piggott adds, “Children who have not received the measles vaccine and pregnant individuals are at the highest risk for a measles infection. Vaccination against measles is the best way to avoid an infection.” Two doses of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine or the Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (MMRV) vaccine are available free of charge for everyone in Ontario from a healthcare provider. While immunization may take 2-3 weeks to provide full protection, ensuring protection before travel for March break, or being protected in general, is still important for everyone.

Residents are encouraged to review their immunization records online or over the phone, consult their yellow book record or contact their health care provider to determine if they are protected against measles. Residents born after the year 1970 who have not had a measles vaccine or who are unsure about receiving a measles vaccine are encouraged to receive at least one dose before travelling from their health care provider. Residents born before 1970 are assumed to have had measles in childhood and considered protected, although in some cases after discussion with your health care provider on individual risk vaccination is still considered. Staying up to date with the measles vaccine is still recommended for those who have returned from travel or do not plan to travel.

Those who have returned from travel are encouraged to monitor for signs and symptoms of measles. Symptoms usually appear 4-14 days after exposure to the virus and include,

  • Runny nose
  • Cough
  • Red and watery eyes
  • High fever
  • Small white spots inside the cheeks and mouth
  • Rash typically presents day 7-18 and can appear all over the body

If you experience any of these symptoms after travel please contact your healthcare provider via phone and avoid attending any public settings.

If you believe you have been in contact with the measles virus while travelling, it is recommended you,

  • Return to Canada wearing a well-fitting mask (preferably N95/KN95 style)
  • Limit unnecessary contact with others
  • Monitor closely for symptoms

Learn more about the measles virus and risk associated with it – https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/your-health/measles/

Review the Ontario Routine Immunization Schedule – https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontarios-routine-immunization-schedule

Review your immunization record or your child’s – https://pcchu.icon.ehealthontario.ca/

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For further information, please contact:

Media Relations
media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca

 

HKPR District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health look to strengthen public health together

 

PETERBOROUGH, ON  –  Today, the Boards of Health for the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health (PPH) announced that they will seek provincial approval and funding to voluntary merge.

In August 2023, the Ministry of Health announced plans to strengthen the public health sector by offering one-time funding, resources and supports to local public health agencies that decide to voluntarily merge by January 1, 2025.

In response to this announcement, the Boards of Health for HKPR District Health Unit and PPH decided to move forward with a process to explore the impacts of a voluntary merger. In November 2023, a Joint Board Merger Exploration Working Group was established with representatives from both health units and external consulting firm Sense & Nous to prepare a comprehensive Feasibility Assessment Report. These findings were recently presented to both Boards of Health for consideration to help make an informed decision.

Throughout this process, it was quickly identified that both the HKPR District Health Unit and PPH have an extensive history of collaboration and share similar geographic, demographic, health status and population characteristics. Both organizations are also dedicated to reducing health inequities and addressing the most pressing public health challenges faced by the urban, rural and Indigenous communities that they serve.

During their meeting on February 15, 2024, the HKPR District Health Unit Board of Health decided to proceed with a proposal to voluntary merge with Peterborough Public Health.

“We have been diligent in the timeframe provided to review and consider all possible outcomes and impacts of a voluntary merger,” said David Marshall, Chair for HKPR District Health Unit’s Board of Health. “Ultimately, we agreed that by merging with Peterborough Public Health we can strengthen our capacity to deliver exceptional public health programs and services and to better respond to the unique needs of our small urban and rural communities.”

During their meeting on February 21, 2024, the PPH Board of Health decided to proceed with a proposal to voluntary merger with the HKPR District Health Unit.

“Over the past several months, we have carefully examined how a merger can strengthen the services that we provide to our communities,” said Joy Lachica, Chair for the Peterborough Public Health Board of Health. “This process revealed that joining together offers us the best pathway possible to protect and promote public health and keep our residents healthy. We are thrilled to start this journey together.”

Next Steps
The HKPR District Health Unit and PPH Boards of Health will submit a joint voluntary merger application to the Ontario Government by April 2nd that demonstrates how a proposed merger would benefit the communities they serve, while supporting outcomes and priorities identified for public health by the Ministry of Health. Mergers of public health units require provincial legislative change, and as such this will not be definitive until the province has approved this and commits adequate funding for its success later in the year. Both PPH and HKPR District Health Unit will continue to operate independently during the provincial review period.

More Information
For more background information on the provincial public health voluntary merger:

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For further information, please contact:

Evan Brockest
Communications and IT Manager
ebrockest@peterboroughpublichealth.ca
705-991-0371

Audio Access for Media and Members of the Public Will be Available 

Media and the community are advised that the next Board of Health meeting will take place in-person on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.  

This meeting is open via teleconference line to the community and members of the media. The public can access live audio during the meeting via teleconference line. 

To access the board package and teleconference information, please visit: www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/about-us/meetings/. 

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For further information, please contact: 

Media Relations 

Media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca 

Municipalities to Assume Responsibility for Permitting & Inspections 

Changes are coming to the permitting and inspection process for onsite sewage systems in the City and County of Peterborough. After November 17, 2024, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) will no longer oversee the delivery of these services in the region as responsibility for permitting and inspections are transferred to local municipalities.   

“Peterborough Public Health has provided these building inspection services related to onsite sewage systems for over forty years, but we are now only one of eleven public health units offering this service,” said Julie Bromley, Chief Building Official and Manager of Environmental Health for Peterborough Public Health.  

Board of Health Chair Councillor Kathryn Wilson said: “This decision by the Board of Health was challenging, given the long-standing positive relationships with residents served by this program and the dedicated work of our staff in this area. The transfer supports a one-stop-shop for residents and builders at municipal building departments and allows Peterborough Public Health to focus on our core work, as mandated by the Ontario Public Health Standards in a period of inadequate provincial funding for our core work.” 

Peterborough Public Heath is working closely with all municipalities that will return to delivery of this service to ensure a smooth transition for building departments and minimize disruptions to residents and industry experts. The transition will occur over two phases.   

Phase 1: Effective April 1, 2024, the following municipalities will receive all new applications and activities related to onsite sewage systems: 

  • Township of Cavan Monaghan 
  • Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan 
  • Township of Selwyn 
  • Municipality of Trent Lakes 

Phase 2: Effective November 18, 2024, the following municipalities will receive all new applications and activities related to onsite sewage systems: 

  • Township of Asphodel-Norwood 
  • Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen 
  • City of Peterborough 

Peterborough Public Health will continue to oversee open permits and applications for all seven local municipalities outlined above until November 17, 2024. After this deadline, any outstanding files will be transferred to the applicable municipality.  

The Townships of North Kawartha and Douro-Dummer already oversee activities related to sewage systems. As such, there will be no changes in these municipalities. 

Residents who have open applications or permits with Peterborough Public Health will be contacted with further information and direction on closing their application. Questions may be directed to the PPH Safe Sewage Program at 705-743-1000, ext. 228, and updates are available online at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/SafeSewage.    

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For further information, please contact:
Media Relations
media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca 

Peterborough Public Health Reports 1 in 5 Households Are Struggling to Afford Food

Peterborough Public Health is sounding the alarm about rising food insecurity in our region after a new report shows that nearly 1 and 5 residents of Peterborough City and County are worrying about running out of money for food.  

The 2023 Addressing Food Insecurity in Peterborough Report reveals that inadequate incomes are resulting in the highest rates of food insecurity our region has ever seen.  

“It is no secret that the cost of food has gone up,” says Lauren Kennedy, Registered Dietitian at Peterborough Public Health. “Many people are really struggling to afford food, a basic human need. No one should have to choose between shelter or food, but this is a reality that is negatively impacting their physical and mental health.”  

Although food prices have increased dramatically over the past year, insufficient income remains the key issue behind rising food insecurity. “This report documents the lived experience of too many members of our community. It is disturbing that nearly 20 percent of households worry about running out of money for food. This is the highest level we have ever seen,” says Kennedy. 

Joan DiFruscia, Peterborough Food Action Network member and Chair of the Otonabee-South Monaghan Food Cupboard, has supported emergency food programs for over 40 years. Joan shares, “Food banks work hard to serve community members in need. But they are meant to be a temporary fix, not the solution. They do not address the root cause of food insecurity. Systemic change is urgently needed, and increasing income is key.” 

“We encourage everyone in our community to speak up for more money for food,” says Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “Raising incomes is the only way to prevent food insecurity. Now is the time to stand up for more money for food.” 

The 2023 Addressing Food Insecurity in Peterborough Report can be found online at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/reports-and-data/   

For further information, please contact: 

Media Relations 

media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca 

 

Audio Access for Media and Members of the Public Will be Available 

Media and the community are advised that the next Board of Health meeting will take place in-person on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.  

This meeting is open via teleconference line to the community and members of the media. The public can access live audio during the meeting via teleconference line. 

To access the board package and teleconference information, please visit: www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/about-us/meetings/. 

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For further information, please contact:
Media Relations
media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca  

Service Resumes in Spring 2024 in Two Northern County Townships

Peterborough Public Health, the Municipality of Trent Lakes, and the Township of North Kawartha are pausing their joint well water sample drop-off program for the Winter. The final date for county residents to drop off their samples to the North Kawartha Municipal Office and the Trent Lakes Municipal Office is Thursday, November 30, 2023.

The free well water sample drop-off service will return next year at both locations, starting the first week of April in 2024. Throughout the Winter months, residents may continue to drop off their samples at the following locations:

  • Peterborough Public Health, 185 King Street, Peterborough, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon on Friday
  • Public Health Ontario Laboratory, 99 Hospital Drive, Peterborough, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday
  • Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township Office, 1 Ottawa Street, Havelock between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday.

It is important to test well water a number of times throughout the year. For a drilled well, it is recommended to test the water twice per year. For a dug well, the recommendation is four times per year. “Even when the ground is frozen, contamination may be present. Sampling water from your well is the best way to ensure that the water is free of pathogens, which can cause illness if consumed.” said Chris Eaton, Public Health Inspector from Peterborough Public Health. “We look forward to resuming our courier service with the municipalities in the spring so it’s easier for residents to submit well water for testing.”

Well water samples are tested for two types of bacterial contamination: total coliforms and E. coli. The presence of E. coli indicates the water has been contaminated with fecal material, which can contain disease-causing microbes. These organisms can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Anyone can become ill if they consume contaminated water, but the young, elderly, and immuno-compromised are at a higher risk.

After samples are submitted, residents will receive water quality results by mail or they can call Public Health Ontario’s Interactive Voice Response at 1-877-723-3426. For interpretation of the test results, or to find out out how to test for contaminants other than total coliforms or E. coli, please call Peterborough Public Health’s Safe Water Program at 705-743-1000, ext. 240 or visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

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For further information, please contact:

Media Relations

Media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca

 

Audio Access for Media and Members of the Public Will be Available 

Media and the community are advised that the next Board of Health meeting will take place in-person on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.  

This meeting is open via teleconference line to the community and members of the media. The public can access live audio during the meeting via teleconference line. 

To access the board package and teleconference information, please visit: www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/about-us/meetings/. 

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For further information, please contact:
Media Relations
media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca  

Residents Urged to Carry Multiple Naloxone Kits 

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is extending a community alert issued on November 1, 2023, following an increase in suspected drug poisonings.  

In the last 48 hours, paramedics and emergency room staff have responded to 12 suspected drug poisonings in Peterborough City and County. These reports have prompted PPH to issue a public warning to prevent further harm in the community. 

Currently, the substance that is causing the increase in poisonings is not known. PPH is reminding the public that street drugs may be cut or mixed with toxic substances. Beware that using even a small amount of drug can be fatal 

A drug poisoning may look different from one person to the next depending on the drugs involved. A drug poisoning is a medical emergency. ALWAYS call 9-1-1.  

 If you or a loved one uses drugs,  

  • Carry multiple naloxone kits and keep them visible. Free naloxone kits are available locally. www.ontario.ca/page/where-get-free-naloxone-kit\ 
  • NEVER use alone. Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service at  1-888-688-6677. Visit the Consumption Treatment Services Site at 220 Simcoe Street in Peterborough. Open daily between 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. 
  • Avoid mixing drugs. 
  • Start low and go slow when using drugs, especially when buying from different or new suppliers.   
  • NEVER share supplies. 
  • Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone begins to show signs of an overdose. 

 Know the Signs of an Overdose/Drug Poisoning 

 

Residents can anonymously report drug poisonings and other bad drug reactions using the ‘Drug Reporting Tool’. Any information shared through the tool supports PPH and community partners in responding to and preventing drug poisonings in the Peterborough area.  

For more information, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and search for “Opioids”.  

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For further information, please contact: 
Media Relations
Media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca  

HKPR District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health Boards agree to review merger opportunities.

The Boards of Health for Peterborough Public Health (PPH) and Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) are moving forward with a process to explore the impacts of a voluntary merger in the communities they serve.

In August 2023, the Ministry of Health announced plans to strengthen the public health sector by offering one-time funding, resources and supports to local public health agencies that decide to voluntarily merge. The province has indicated as part of one-time funding that mergers would need to be implemented by January 1, 2025.

In 2019, PPH and HKPR District Health Unit previously explored opportunities for shared service delivery in response to efforts by the provincial government to reduce the number of local public health agencies. Completing a pre-assessment study marks the first step towards understanding how the current proposal would affect delivery of public health programming and emergency response capacity locally.

“Public health’s primary reason for being is to improve the overall standard of health in the community being served,” said David Marshall, Chair for HKPR District Health Unit’s Board of Health. “Doing so goes a long way to relieve the tremendous strain currently being borne by our downstream health sector and those people working within it. If there is a way to strengthen our ability to improve these health standards it is our responsibility to investigate it.”

“Our ultimate goal is to protect and promote health in the communities we serve, while ensuring a strong voice in public health for Municipalities and First Nations,” states Kathryn Wilson, Chair for Peterborough Public Health’s Board of Health. “If a voluntary merger offers a chance to strengthen public health and resolve some of the long-standing capacity challenges facing the sector, then it is an opportunity worth exploring.”

The provincial pre-assessment process is anticipated to take place over several months, with a decision to follow early in 2024. At the end of the pre-assessment, the PPH and HKPR District Health Unit Boards of Health will decide whether to proceed with a voluntary merger. Both PPH and HKPR District Health Units will continue to operate independently during the pre-assessment period.

More Information
For more information about the upcoming provincial changes to the public health system:

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For further information, please contact:
Media Relations
media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca