Latest news with #PublicHealthSudbury
CTV News
4 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Dozens more measles cases confirmed, Sudbury health unit warns of exposure on Chi-Cheemaun ferry
Another 39 measles cases have been confirmed in the area, Public Health Sudbury and Districts said Friday, with recent exposures to the disease at the Chi-Cheemaun ferry on Manitoulin Island. (File) Another 39 measles cases have been confirmed in the area, Public Health Sudbury and Districts said Friday, with recent exposures to the disease at the Chi-Cheemaun ferry on Manitoulin Island. The new cases were revealed as the health unit investigates a case involving a baby reported July 22, the first in the area since 2014. 'Through the efforts of that investigation, Public Health has identified an initial, previously undetected introduction of measles into the area seven weeks ago,' a news release Friday said. 'That infection is linked to the broader measles outbreak occurring throughout North America. Through following chains of transmission from that initial infection to the one reported earlier this week, Public Health has uncovered an additional 39 measles infections in its service area. The majority of these infections have now resolved.' The cases spread through 'numerous private gatherings' and further investigation identified recent areas 'where members of the general public may have been exposed to measles,' the health unit said. The exposure locations include the Chi-Cheemaun ferry on the following trips: July 17: South Baymouth to Tobermory, 11 a.m. departure, and Tobermory to South Baymouth, 1:15 p.m. departure. Monitor for symptoms until Aug. 7. July 21: Tobermory to South Baymouth, 1:15 p.m. departure, and South Baymouth to Tobermory, 3:30 p.m. departure. Monitor for symptoms until Aug. 11. Additional exposures in June There were also exposures on the Chi-Cheemaun on trips on June 24, June 26, June 27, June 28 and June 30. In addition, there were exposures at the Manitoulin Health Centre's Mindemoya, emergency department on June 5, June 7 and June 27. People exposed on these dates would already have gotten the measles. 'Follow up with your health-care provider if you have any questions or were previously ill with symptoms that could have been measles,' Public Health said. 'Public Health is continuing its investigation by contacting individuals who were previously ill or who have been exposed to persons infected with measles.' 'Since measles can cause severe illness, disability, or even death in some people, I encourage everyone to ensure they have had two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.' — Dr. M. Mustafa Hirji, acting medical officer of health Dr. M. Mustafa Hirji, acting medical officer of health, said in the release that 95 per cent of recent cases in Ontario have been among people not fully vaccinated. 'The overwhelming majority of infections we are seeing locally align with that trend,' Hirji said. 'Since measles can cause severe illness, disability, or even death in some people, I encourage everyone to ensure they have had two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.' The measles virus can spread through the air or direct contact with an infected person. The virus can live for up to two hours in the air or on surfaces. You can find information about Ontario's routine immunization schedule online. You can also call or chat online with a registered nurse to get free, secure, and confidential health advice by contacting Health811 or dial 811 (TTY 1-866-797-0007). Public Health Ontario posts detailed information about measles cases in Ontario in a weekly summary. For more information about measles, immunization, or exposures, click here or call Public Health at 705-522-920, toll-free 1-866-522-9200.
CTV News
7 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
First measles case in more than a decade reported in Sudbury district
Northern Ontario Watch Public Health Sudbury & Districts reports its first measles case since 2014 in an unvaccinated infant. Officials urge two MMR vaccine doses as cases hit a 30-year high in North America.
CTV News
22-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Baby in Sudbury area has the measles, first case since 2014
Tuesday afternoon, Public Health Sudbury and Districts reported the first measles infection in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts since 2014. (File photo) Tuesday afternoon, Public Health Sudbury and Districts reported the first measles infection in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts since 2014. 'The affected individual is an infant who was too young to have been vaccinated,' the health unit said in a news release. 'Public Health has directly notified the individuals in its service area who are known to have been exposed to measles and continues to work with the Ministry of Health and other local public health agencies to minimize the spread of infection.' While the first case in this area, measles has been reported in recent months by health units in Algoma, the Timiskaming District and North Bay, part of a wider spread in Canada, particularly in Ontario and Alberta. Spreading across North America 'Measles is spreading across North America at levels not seen in three decades,' Public Health said. 'Given this heightened risk, it is important that everyone protect themselves by ensuring they have had 2 doses of vaccine.' Christina Baier, a manager in Public Health's health protection division, said the disease can spread 'very quickly' among people who are not fully immunized. 'It can cause severe illness in some people,' Baier said in the release. 'This is an opportunity for everyone to make sure they are up to date with their immunizations or to follow up with their health care provider if they are not.' Vaccines limit the spread of measles and 'protects yourself and others, especially infants and persons with weakened immune systems who cannot get vaccinated themselves,' the health unit said. Virus spreads through the air 'The measles virus spreads through the air and by direct contact with an infected person. The virus can live for up to two hours in the air or on surfaces. Over 90 per cent of people who are not immune to measles will become infected if they are exposed to the virus.' Complications from the measles include lung infections, brain swelling, seizures, middle ear infections and in rare cases, death. Pregnant people may also experience premature labour, stillbirth or miscarriage. Symptoms include fever, runny nose and cough, red and watery eyes and small white spots in the mouth and throat. 'A red rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body appears three to seven days after other symptoms,' the release said. If you or a family member has symptoms and think you were exposed to measles, immediately isolate at home and avoid all contact with people who are not immunized. Call your health-care provider or the walk-in clinic's office before going so they can provide instructions to follow to protect other people, such as wearing a medical or N95 mask. Self-assessment tool The measles self-assessment tool can help you determine if you are protected against measles, what to do if you are experiencing symptoms, were exposed to the measles virus, or are unsure about your risk. Contact your health-care provider if you are unsure of your or your family's immunization status. If you submitted your child's immunization records to Public Health Sudbury & Districts, you can view them online using Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) by visiting Public Health keeps records of vaccinations people received while under the age of 18. If you were born before 1970, you are likely immune to measles, but consult your health care provider if you're uncertain. You can find information about Ontario's routine immunization schedule online. For more information about measles and immunization, click here or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705-522-9200, or toll-free 1-866-522-9200.
CTV News
05-06-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Wildfire smoke prompts air quality warnings in northeastern Ont.
As a result of wildfire smoke drifting in from fires west of the area, Environment Canada has issued an air quality statement for Manitoulin Island, Chapleau, Missinaibi Lake, Gogama, Timmins, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls and Foleyet. As a result of wildfire smoke drifting in from fires west of the area, Environment Canada has issued an air quality statement for Manitoulin Island, Chapleau, Missinaibi Lake, Gogama, Timmins, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls and Foleyet. The statement is a result of the impact that smoke from forest fires is having on air quality. 'Public Health Sudbury & Districts would like to remind residents of the health effects of wildfire smoke and how to protect yourself,' the health unit said in a news release Thursday. Likely to experience symptoms 'Those more likely to experience symptoms from wildfire smoke include older adults, people who smoke, pregnant people, infants and young children, people who do strenuous outdoor work or exercise, and people with existing health conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, respiratory or heart conditions.' The best way to protect your health is to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke, the release said. You can do this by limiting outdoor and strenuous physical activities, staying indoors with windows and doors closed, and using a portable air purifier. 'Mild symptoms from wildfire smoke can usually be treated at home and may include a mild cough, headache, and eye, nose or throat irritation,' Jane Mantyla, a health promoter with Public Health, said in the release. 'If you have more severe symptoms, talk to a health care provider.' Free access to a registered nurse can be accessed by calling Health811 —(TTY 1.866.797.0007) – or by clicking here. 'Watch out for severe cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, dizziness, chest pain, and irregular heartbeat,' said Mantyla.
