Latest news with #HuronPerthPublicHealth
CTV News
3 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Popular Ontario summer-travel spot sees the most new measles cases for the week
A man sits on a bench in a park in downtown Clinton, Ont., Monday, July 8, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Geoff Robins Most new measles cases in Ontario over the past week were reported in a popular summer travel area. Public Health Ontario is reporting 32 new measles cases, 19 of which are in Huron Perth. The public health unit located west of Kitchener includes Stratford, known for its annual theatre festival, as well as Lake Huron beach spots including Clinton and Goderich. That brings Ontario's total case count to 2,276 since an outbreak began last fall. Dr. Miriam Klassen, medical officer of health for Huron Perth Public Health, said the 'noticeable jump' this week was driven by an exposure at a private function and a large household with multiple cases. 'This doesn't represent a widespread increase across Huron Perth, but more so a cluster,' Klassen said. 'For people that want to take advantage of all these wonderful summer activities and festivals all across southwestern Ontario, the best advice is to update your own vaccination status.' Public health experts have encouraged cautious optimism on Ontario's slowing case counts given the ebb and flow of the highly contagious infectious disease. Alberta is also battling an outbreak, reaching 1,376 total cases since the outbreak there began in March. It surpassed the United States' case count earlier this week. Also this week, New Brunswick declared a measles outbreak and has reported five confirmed cases in the south-central region of the province. Provincial health officials are reporting 114 cases in British Columbia, 146 in Manitoba, and 60 in Saskatchewan. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 17, 2025. Hannah Alberga, The Canadian Press
CTV News
4 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Stratford pool closed for a second day following water ‘fouling'
Stratford Lions Pool is seen in this undated image. (Courtesy: Facebook/City of Stratford) The Stratford Lions Pool won't reopen on Wednesday. It was shut down on Tuesday for what the city called a 'fouling.' 'Yes, 'fouling' is a fancy way of saying that somebody pooped in the pool,' they wrote in a social media post. 'So, why don't we just scoop it out and reopen the pool right away?' The city said they need to follow provincial guidelines, which dictate how they have to treat the water following these kinds of incidents. 'We're also working with Huron Perth Public Health to ensure the pool is properly disinfected and safe for swimmers,' they wrote. 'In short, the process takes time, and we want to get it right.' The city did not say when the Stratford Lions Pool could reopen, only that it would happen as soon as possible. 'We would like to take this opportunity to remind parents and caregivers of the importance of swim diapers for young children,' the post continued. 'And please use your best judgement on visiting the pool if you or your child are experiencing gastrointestinal issues.' Swimmers looking for a place to cool off can stop by the Anne Hathaway Park Splash Pad or the Stratford Rotary Complex.
CTV News
02-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Possible measles exposure at St. Marys Memorial Hospital
People who visited St. Marys Memorial Hospital in the town of St. Marys may have been exposed to the measles virus. In a release, Huron Perth Public Health said someone with measles went to the emergency department on Saturday. Anyone who was at the hospital between 11 a.m. and 4:07 p.m. is encouraged to self-monitor for symptoms and complete a measles exposure assessment online. It can take up to 21 days after exposure for symptoms to develop. What to know about measles Measles is a highly contagious virus. The disease can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. Even brief exposure to measles can result in illness. Symptoms include a fever, runny nose, cough, red watery eyes, small white spots inside the mouth and a red blotchy rash. Other signs of measles include diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia. In severe cases, measles can cause brain inflammation and death. It usually takes between seven and 21 days for symptoms to show up. Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to measles is asked to stay at home and avoid contact with others. If medical treatment is needed, people are urged to contact their health provider ahead of time to prevent the illness from spreading to other patients.
CTV News
19-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Health units want summer camps to proactively monitor for measles
Huron Perth Public Health is urging summer day camps and programs to take precautions to prevent the spread of measles, while the Region of Waterloo is taking it one step further. If an infection is reported at a camp in Waterloo Region, the health unit said any 'children or staff who are not fully protected with two documented doses' of the measles vaccine will be sent home. The also won't be allowed to return for at least 21 days after any potential exposure, unless they provide proof of vaccination against the virus. The latest epidemiological summary from Public Health Ontario, updated on June 19, showed 110 measles infections were reported by Region of Waterloo Public Health between Oct. 18, 2024 and June 17, 2024. Over the last week, the total number of cases increased by 21. It is important to note, there may be a discrepancy between the region's total and the data shared by Public Health Ontario due to a lag in the reporting system and revised classification criteria. Huron Perth Public Health Huron Perth Public Health, meanwhile, only asked that camp providers prioritize the identification of measles symptoms, follow proper protocols and communicate with parents about the importance of measles. They also stressed 'understanding reporting requirements and procedures for managing cases and contacts.' 'Vaccination is important for camp participants as it is the best way to prevent the infection,' Dr. Miriam Klassen, the medical officer of health for Huron Perth, said in a media release. 'In addition, camp and program organizers must be prepared to respond effectively to potential measles cases to protect the community's health.' The latest epidemiological summary from Public Health Ontario showed 249 measles infections reported by Huron Perth Public Health between Oct. 18 and June 17, an increase of 14 in the last week. Again, the data may not line up with the local health unit's case counts due to reporting delays and changing classification. While the outbreak seems to have slowed down, public health officials said it is still important to take precautions. What to know about measles Measles is a highly contagious virus. The disease can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. Even brief exposure to measles can result in illness. Symptoms include a fever, runny nose, cough, red watery eyes, small white spots inside the mouth and a red blotchy rash. Other signs of measles include diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia. In severe cases, measles can cause brain inflammation and death. It usually takes between seven and 21 days for symptoms to show up. Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to measles is asked to stay at home and avoid contact with others. If medical treatment is needed, people are urged to contact their health provider ahead of time to prevent the illness from spreading to other patients.
CTV News
11-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Latest potential measles exposure sites in Stratford include grocery store, pharmacy and school fundraiser
Huron Perth Public Health has announced a new batch of potential measles exposure sites in Stratford and Mitchell. The latest areas of concern include: Foodland, 581 Downie Street in Stratford – June 3 from 7 a.m. until 9:15 a.m. Long & McQuade, 145 Erie Street in Stratford – June 3 from 7 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Shoppers Drug Mart, 211 Ontario Street in Stratford – June 4 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. North Easthope Public School's Food Truck Night Playground Fundraiser, 4672 Road 108 in Stratford – June 5 from 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Shoppers Drug Mart, 211 Ontario Street in Stratford – June 5 from 5:55 p.m. until 8 p.m. On Stage Dance Studio, 172 Ontario Street in Stratford – June 5 from 5:50 p.m. until 9:45 p.m. Shell Station, 5878 Line 34 in Mitchell – June 6 from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to the virus can go the Huron Perth Public Health's website to fill out a Measles Exposure Self-Assessment Tool to get some guidance on next steps. What to know about measles Measles is a highly contagious virus. The disease can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. Even brief exposure to measles can result in illness. Symptoms include a fever, runny nose, cough, red watery eyes, small white spots inside the mouth and a red blotchy rash. Other signs of measles include diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia. In severe cases, measles can cause brain inflammation and death. It usually takes between seven and 21 days for symptoms to show up. Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the illness is asked to stay at home and avoid contact with others. If medical treatment is needed, people are urged to contact their health provider ahead of time to prevent measles from spreading to other patients.
