Latest news with #TorontoPublicHealth
CTV News
9 hours ago
- Health
- CTV News
Toronto Public Health seeking person who came in contact with bat that may have rabies
FILE -Toronto Public Health's offices at Dundas and Victoria St. in Toronto on Monday, August 21, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston Toronto Public Health (TPH) is looking for a person who came in contact with a bat that may have rabies earlier this week. TPH says it has learned about an injured bat exhibiting symptoms of rabies and that the animal was physically handled at the north entrance to 88-100 Harbour St. on Wednesday around 9:24 p.m. 'Rabies is a viral infection that affects the nervous system of mammals including humans. Rabies can lead to death if it is left untreated before symptoms appear,' TPH says. The virus is spread through the saliva of an infected animal. The person is believed to be standing at five-foot-eight with a beard and was seen wearing eyeglasses, a black T-shirt, black pants and white sneakers. TPH says the person was also holding a black water bottle. The local health unit is urging the person to immediately call 416-338-7600 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday or 311 after hours. TPH says the person should ask to speak to the healthy environments manager on call.
Toronto Sun
2 days ago
- Climate
- Toronto Sun
Heat wave blamed for 42 Toronto emergency room visits, public health says
Published Jun 26, 2025 • 2 minute read In this file photo, tourists beat the heat at the fountain at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto on Friday July 12, 2024. Photo by Ernest Doroszuk / Toronto Sun Toronto Public Health says it recorded 42 heat-related emergency department visits during the heat wave that gripped much of Ontario earlier this week. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The heat wave delivered dangerously high temperatures and humidity to many parts of southwestern Ontario, with Toronto setting a new June 23 temperature record when the mercury hit 36C. A public health spokesperson says the number of weather-related ER visits to Toronto hospitals over the three-day heat wave is consistent with the health risks of heat exposure, 'particularly for vulnerable populations.' Toronto Paramedic Services say they saw a 'slight increase' in overall call volume from Sunday to Tuesday, but they are unable to track how many calls are directly related to heat even though it may be a contributing factor. Ottawa also set a new June 23 heat record when the temperature there topped out at over 35C. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Ottawa Paramedic Service said on Wednesday that it had responded to 14 calls directly related to heat since Saturday, with all but one patients in stable condition. They say an elderly man with dementia was found in a backyard suffering from heat stroke on Monday, and was stabilized before he was taken to hospital in critical condition. Read More The Office of the Chief Coroner didn't have information about any recent heat-related deaths in the province, saying they are difficult to track accurately. 'It is very challenging to determine with accuracy whether heat was a direct factor in causing a death,' spokesperson Stephanie Rea said in an email. 'In many cases, a person may present to a hospital for a pre-existing condition exacerbated by the heat.' Rea said only accidental deaths that are directly related to heat, such as hyperthermia or dehydration, are reported to the coroner for investigation. While the heat warning officially lifted Wednesday in many parts of the province, relief is expected to be short-lived as Environment Canada forecasts temperatures will climb again to the high 20s starting Friday for parts of southwestern Ontario. Toronto Raptors CFL Canada Celebrity Celebrity
Global News
2 days ago
- Climate
- Global News
Heat wave blamed for 42 Toronto emergency room visits, public health says
Toronto Public Health says it recorded 42 heat-related emergency department visits during the heat wave that gripped much of Ontario earlier this week. The heat wave delivered dangerously high temperatures and humidity to many parts of southwestern Ontario, with Toronto setting a new June 23 temperature record when the mercury hit 36 C. A public health spokesperson says the number of weather-related ER visits to Toronto hospitals over the three-day heat wave is consistent with the health risks of heat exposure, 'particularly for vulnerable populations.' Toronto Paramedic Services say they saw a 'slight increase' in overall call volume from Sunday to Tuesday, but they are unable to track how many calls are directly related to heat even though it may be a contributing factor. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Ottawa also set a new June 23 heat record when the temperature there topped out at over 35 C. Story continues below advertisement Ottawa Paramedic Service said on Wednesday that it had responded to 14 calls directly related to heat since Saturday, with all but one patients in stable condition. They say an elderly man with dementia was found in a backyard suffering from heat stroke on Monday, and was stabilized before he was taken to hospital in critical condition. The Office of the Chief Coroner didn't have information about any recent heat-related deaths in the province, saying they are difficult to track accurately. 'It is very challenging to determine with accuracy whether heat was a direct factor in causing a death,' spokesperson Stephanie Rea said in an email. 'In many cases, a person may present to a hospital for a pre-existing condition exacerbated by the heat.' Rea said only accidental deaths that are directly related to heat, such as hyperthermia or dehydration, are reported to the coroner for investigation. While the heat warning officially lifted Wednesday in many parts of the province, relief is expected to be short-lived as Environment Canada forecasts temperatures will climb again to the high 20s starting Friday for parts of southwestern Ontario.
CTV News
5 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Toronto reaches highest recorded temperature in nearly a decade
A man sleeps on the sandy beach along Lake Ontario in the extreme heat in Toronto on Friday, July 19, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette Toronto's heat wave is now in its second day and the temperature in the city could reach a high unseen in 10 years. A heat warning is in effect and Environment Canada is forecasting a high of 36 C Monday, which could feel like 46 with the humidity. The last time Toronto saw a temperature that high was on July 13, 2016. Here's how the city is handling the heat: 5:10 p.m. - Toronto hits highest temperature in years The current temperature at Pearson International Airport is 36 C, according to Environment Canada. The previous record for today's date was 32.8 C in 1983. The city has now hit highest temperature recorded in nearly a decade, since July 13, 2016. 4:30 p.m. - 'Take precautions to stay safe' Toronto Public Health (TPH) is advising residents to take precautions amid the extreme heat. In a statement Monday afternoon, TPH said, 'Extreme heat can cause serious health risks for people of all ages, including heat stress, heat stroke, and, in severe cases, death,' warning that the effects of the heat can be worse for infants, older adults, and anyone with preexisting health concerns. They advise Torontonians to stay hydrated, wear lose and breathable clothing, avoid direct sun exposure, and check in on family and friends. 3:50 p.m. - Power restored Toronto Hydro says that power has been fully restored following an earlier outage at Hydro One's Bridgeman Transmission Station that left approximately 2,700 customers in the dark. The utility says that it continues to investigate the cause of the outage. 'We truly appreciate everyone's patience while we worked to restore power,' it said in a message posted to social media. 3:30 p.m. - Heat appears to break record The current temperature at Pearson International Airport is 35 C, according to Environment Canada. The previous record for June 23 was 32.8 C (1983). If the temperature reaches 36 C, it will be the highest temperature recorded in Toronto in nearly a decade. The mercury hit 36 C exactly on July 13, 2016. 2:15 p.m. – TTC station closed The TTC says that trains are not stopping at Summerhill Station due to a Toronto Hydro power issue. It's unclear when the power will be restored. 2 p.m. – Mayor Chow asks residents to stay indoors Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow asked residents to stay indoors, whenever possible, in a news release issued Monday. She also apologized to residents after the city closed some pools Sunday on the first day of the heat wave. 'This cannot happen again. When it's hot outside, residents need to be able to get out to the pools and cool down,' she said at a news conference. 1 p.m. – 'Anybody's who's outside is at risk' Speaking with CP24, Environment Canada meteorologist Steven Flisfeder said that 'anybody who's outside is at risk of heat illness' today. 'Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, those things are very real concerns for anybody that's outside. In particular, people who are especially susceptible, who have preexisting conditions that may be aggravated by these temperatures and humidity.' 12:30 p.m. – More than 2,700 without power Toronto Hydro's outage map shows that more than 2,700 customers are without power Monday afternoon. The bulk of the affected customers appears to be in midtown Toronto, near St. Clair Avenue West and Avenue Road. It's not clear when power will be restored. 'We're working with Hydro One to restore power as quickly as possible,' a Toronto Hydro spokesperson told CTV News Toronto in an email. 11:30 a.m. – Premier Doug Ford criticizes pool closures Ontario Premier Doug Ford took issue with the city closing some of its pools on Sunday amid the heat. The City of Toronto confirmed it had closed some of its facilities yesterday due to 'extreme humidex' levels and citing provincial requirements around health and safety. 'I don't know, it sounds like a poor excuse,' Ford said. 'But neither here nor there, they should have the pools open, and we appreciate the lifeguards.' As of Monday, 15 of the city's pools are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 11:20 a.m. – No crossing guards in Oakville Halton police say there are no crossing guards in Oakville today due to the 'extreme temperatures.' 'Please be extra vigilant when driving throughs school zones, slow down, and obey posted speed limits,' the service said in a post on social media. 11:00 – Some French-language schools closed Some French-language schools closed Monday due to a lack of air conditioning. Six schools within the Viamonde School Board, including three in Toronto, have shut their doors for the day amid the heat, the board announced in a post to its website. 'These schools do not have air-conditioned spaces or cooling areas that allow a minimum level of comfort for students and staff,' the board said. 10:30 a.m. – TDSB addresses heat wave In a letter addressed to parents and guardians, the Toronto District School board warned of 'uncomfortable conditions' at some schools today due to the heat and advised children to wear light clothing, hats and to stay hydrated. 'Across the TDSB, while some schools are fully air conditioned and some are partially air conditioned, others have no air conditioning and the extreme heat will result in uncomfortable conditions,' the letter read in part. TDSB spokesperson Shari Schwartz-Maltz said every school has a 'cooling centre,' including areas like an air-conditioned library or gym, where students can find 'some relief.' 'Everybody's very prepared. Information went out to all our administration this weekend on what to do to keep staff safe, keep kids safe. So, I think it's going OK, so far. The school board said closing schools during a heat wave is 'not an action typically taken.' 9 a.m. – Temperature could break record After a sweltering Sunday, when the mercury reached 35 C at its peak, the temperature will climb one degree higher on Monday and potentially break a heat record. If the temperature does reach 36 C, CP24 meteorologist Bill Coulter says that it will be the hottest daytime temp-temperature reached at Pearson since July 13, 2016. The heat wave is expected to continue into Tuesday when the daytime high will reach 33 C.
Toronto Star
16-05-2025
- Health
- Toronto Star
Toronto Public Health faces staffing crisis, plummeting public trust and dwindling resources, report finds
Toronto Public Health (TPH) is facing a loss of staff, resources and public trust following COVID, a recent report to the city's board of health finds. The annual report is a summary of challenges the agency is facing — from a staff exodus to a torrent of public health misinformation in the wake of the pandemic — as well as potential solutions to those problems. Gta Eileen de Villa talks COVID, scarves and her guiding spiritual principle as she prepares to leave Toronto Public Health Toronto's outgoing medical officer of health talked to the Star in a wide-ranging interview 'TPH continues to meet its mandate and provide high-quality and evidence informed public health interventions to the people of Toronto,' Dr. Na-Koshie Lamptey, the city's acting medical officer of health, said in an email to the Star. 'Risks can be fluid in nature, as such risk management is an ongoing process for the organization.' ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW A shallow talent pool TPH is experiencing a staff exodus, following employee burnout and fatigue in the aftermath of the pandemic, according to the report. Adding to this are increased demands to address disease outbreaks, the drug toxicity epidemic and emerging issues like extreme heat and declining air quality brought on by climate change. The staffing crisis comes at a time when the agency is experiencing an uptick in retirements and the departures of staff for other opportunities, the report said. It's the third year in a row that limited staff was flagged as a risk factor. The report deemed the issue a 'high risk,' assessing it as being both 'likely to occur' and having a 'substantial impact on time, cost or quality' of the agency's services. 'Toronto Public Health has taken action to address this risk,' the report said, noting the agency was dedicating resources to growing its employee wellness program. Politics Ontario government aims to fast-track cancer drugs in new pilot project The new program will get the latest cancer drugs to patients at least nine months faster. Politics Ontario government aims to fast-track cancer drugs in new pilot project The new program will get the latest cancer drugs to patients at least nine months faster. Dwindling resources The public health agency has exhausted much of its resources battling the COVID-19 pandemic, outbreaks of mpox and meningococcal disease, a worsening drug epidemic and other recent health emergencies, the report found. As a result, it's been left vulnerable to other emerging public health issues. TPH is currently working on its ability to identify and respond to public health issues in a thorough and timely way, the report noted. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW This challenge was deemed a 'medium risk,' having been found 'as likely to occur as not to occur' but having a 'substantial impact on time, cost or quality' of its services. To rectify the issue, the report recommended prioritizing public health incidents based on their population risk and enhancing relations with provincial, national and international jurisdictions for disease surveillance, among other strategies. Loss of trust in public health advice The report acknowledged that trust in public health institutions and their advice has plummeted following a barrage of disinformation, misinformation and general exhaustion in the wake of the pandemic. Dwindling public trust was also deemed a risk in 2024. It was thought of as a 'medium risk,' assessed as being 'likely to occur' and having a 'notable impact on time, cost or quality' of services. 'This increases the need for meaningful population engagement to maintain public trust,' the report noted. It recommended reinforcing TPH's position as a trusted and reliable source of information, partly through improved public messaging on the city's website. Gta Toronto Public Health says it saw 'many deviations' at gynecologist's clinic with potential HIV, hepatitis exposure Toronto Public Health says it observed 'many deviations' that led to it notifying 2,500 patients of a potential exposure to blood-borne viruses. Gta Toronto Public Health says it saw 'many deviations' at gynecologist's clinic with potential HIV, hepatitis exposure Toronto Public Health says it observed 'many deviations' that led to it notifying 2,500 patients of a potential exposure to blood-borne viruses.
