Doctors, experts call for stronger action as measles outbreak worsens
Alberta's measles outbreak is showing no signs of slowing down, and doctors and infectious disease experts say the situation is now critical.
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CBC
10 minutes ago
- CBC
Michelle Murti appointed Toronto's new medical officer of health
Michelle Murti has been appointed Toronto's new medical officer of health, after city council's approval. Her start on Sept. 3 is subject to the approval of the province's Ministry of Health. Dr. Murti currently serves as associate chief medical officer of health for Ontario. "She has played a pivotal role in pandemic preparedness, emergency response and health system transformation," the city said in a news release Wednesday. Dr. Murti has a medical degree, a public health Master's degree and is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in public health and preventive medicine. She is also licensed in family medicine and serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health. "Under Dr. Murti's leadership, Toronto Public Health will continue to build on its legacy of innovation, resilience and impact as one of Canada's leading local public health agencies," the city said. Dr. Murti says she is honoured to be taking on this role. "I look forward to working alongside the incredible Toronto Public Health staff and with community and city partners to protect and improve health, reduce health inequities and make Toronto a healthy and resilient place where we can all live, work and play," she said in the release. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said this move is a step forward. "I am confident that Dr. Murti is well-prepared to take on the top leadership role for Toronto Public Health in its service to our residents," she said in the release. Dr. Na-Koshie Lamptey will continue to serve as Toronto's acting medical officer of health until Sept. 2.
CTV News
19 minutes ago
- CTV News
Toronto appoints new medical officer of health
An interim injection site has opened inside Toronto Public Health's offices at Dundas and Victoria St. in Toronto on Monday, August 21, 2017. Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott says the province will continue to fund overdose-prevention sites but will change their name and focus. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston A former medical epidemiologist with the World Health Organization has been appointed as Toronto's new top doctor. On Wednesday, Toronto City Council approved the appointment of Dr. Michelle Murti, a public health and preventative medicine physician, as the city's medical officer of health. 'I am honoured to serve the people of Toronto as their Medical Officer of Health. I look forward to working alongside the incredible Toronto Public Health staff and with community and city partners to protect and improve health, reduce health inequities and make Toronto a healthy and resilient place where we can all live, work and play,' Murti said in a statement. Murti is currently Ontario's associate medical officer of health and the acting chief provincial health officer for the Northwest Territories. 'There's a lot of work ahead of us, from preparing for the long-term impact of climate change on public health to reducing health inequalities in our neighbourhoods, to rebuilding community trust in science and institutions,' Mayor Olivia Chow said in her remarks during Wednesday's council meeting. 'Dr. Murti is the right person to lead us through this next chapter with transparency, collaboration and compassion.' Murti's appointment, which takes effect on Sept. 3, is subject to the approval of the Ontario Ministry of Health. The city noted that Dr. Na-Koshie Lamptey will continue to serve as acting medical officer of health until Sept. 2.
CBC
28 minutes ago
- CBC
Heat warning issued for Hamilton and area with humidex values up to 44 expected
Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Hamilton, Burlington, Niagara and area with a heat event is expected to begin Thursday. The federal weather agency says the hottest conditions are expected on Thursday, with slightly cooler daytime highs Friday and into the weekend. However, overnight lows will remain unseasonably warm, offering little relief. Environment Canada says daytime temperatures are predicted to reach near 35 C, with humidex values expected to reach 44 on Thursday. On Friday the forecast calls for a daytime high of 30 C, with peak humidex values near 40. Meanwhile, Hamilton's medical officer of health has also issued a heat warning beginning Thursday. Cooling centres available throughout heat event The city says cooling centres — identified by "Cool Down Here" signs — will be available throughout the heat event. As part of the city's heat response plan, all regularly scheduled open swims at indoor and outdoor pools will be free, and residents are encouraged to make use of spray pads, community centres and other designated cool places. Hamilton Public Health is reminding residents to take steps to avoid heat-related illness, including: Drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and caffeine. Staying in air-conditioned spaces or visiting city-designated cool area. Wearing loose, light-coloured clothing and using sunscreen. Limiting outdoor physical activity to early morning or evening hours. Taking cool baths or showers. Closing blinds and circulating air with fans. Checking on vulnerable neighbours and family members. Never leaving children or pets in closed vehicles. Landlords are also being encouraged to ensure tenants have access to cool indoor spaces. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, pale or clammy skin, weakness, nausea, fainting, and vomiting. Residents are advised to seek help immediately if symptoms appear.
