Latest news with #YorkRegionPublicHealth
CTV News
5 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
West Nile virus found in mosquitoes in York Region
Dutch and Kenyan scientists have been working on a mosquito trap which uses human odour to attract the malaria vector. (haykirdi / York Region Public Health says it has found mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus in Vaughan. In a release on Thursday, public health said it monitors the virus in the region with traps and testing. Mosquitoes inside a trap that was set up at Weston and Rutherford roads tested positive for West Nile, they said. It is the first positive mosquito trap reported in York Region this summer, according to public health. To avoid contracting the virus, it's advised residents get rid of mosquito-friendly areas at home such as dirty, standing water in bird baths, swimming pool covers, and other areas, and ensure window screens are tight and have no holes. As well, public health says to cover up while outside with light-coloured clothing and use insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin. No human cases of West Nile have been reported in York Region this summer.
Toronto Star
26-06-2025
- Health
- Toronto Star
These York Region public beaches are open for swimming
Heading to the beach? You're in luck — all York Region public beaches are open for swimming as of June 26 at 2 p.m. Here's the latest beach water quality report from York Region Public Health: Bonnie Park Beach in Jackson's Point (37 Malone Road) tested safe for swimming on June 23 According to public health guidelines from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, water is considered unsafe for swimming when one sample contains 400 or more E. coli bacteria per 100 millilitres, or the geometric mean of five samples is 200 or more. Collecting, transporting and testing beach water for E. coli can take a day or more, so the latest available data may not reflect current conditions at the beach. Swimming is not recommended when it's raining, the water is wavy or cloudy, there are lots of birds, or for two days after a big storm. Consuming E. coli can cause serious illness, including stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. When high levels of the bacteria are detected it's more likely that other harmful organisms are present as well, including those that cause skin rashes and eye, ear, nose and throat infections. A beach may also be considered unsafe for swimming due to weather conditions, runoff, pollution, spills, smells, garbage, sharp debris and dead fish. In addition, public beaches are monitored for blue-green algae, which can be highly toxic to humans, dogs and other animals.
CBC
28-02-2025
- Health
- CBC
York Region Public Health warns of measles exposure linked to flight from South Korea
As Ontario faces a rise in measles cases, York Region Public Health (YRPH) has issued a warning about a confirmed exposure to the virus linked to an international flight from South Korea on Saturday. In a news release Friday, the public health agency said anyone present at one of three locations during certain times over the past week may have been exposed to the virus: Korean Air: Flight KE 073, which departed from Seoul, South Korea at 10:28 a.m. local time on Saturday, Feb. 22, and arrived at Toronto Pearson International Airport at 9:35 a.m. Terminal 3 of Toronto Pearson International Airport between 9:35 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Feb. 22 Southlake Health, located at 596 Davis Drive in Newmarket, Ont., in the emergency department Monday between 10:45 a.m. and 9 p.m., or in the pediatric unit on Tuesday between 8:25 a.m. and 4 p.m. The health agency said anyone who was in those locations at those times who is either pregnant, under 12 months of age or has a weakened immune system should contact York Region Public Health by phone immediately. People in these categories are at an increased risk of severe complications, York Region Public Health said, including inflammation of the brain and death. Anyone outside those categories is advised to confirm they are up to date on immunizations and watch for symptoms. If you develop symptoms, the health agency advises that you stay home and call a health-care professional. York Region Public Health said it is following up directly with anyone who was at Southlake's emergency department or pediatric unit during the times listed. WATCH | Measles on the rise in Canada: Once declared eradicated, measles is surging in parts of Canada 3 days ago Duration 2:05 Measles was declared eradicated in Canada in 1998, but with vaccination rates dropping, new cases are surging; 95 people have been infected in just the first two months of this year, compared to 147 for all of 2024. Measles is a highly viral infection that spreads through airborne transmission. Symptoms start seven to 21 days after exposure, York Region Public Health said, and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and/or watery eyes and a red rash. There have already been nearly 100 measles cases reported in Canada this year, compared with 147 cases in all of 2024, according to Canada's chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam. Public health officials said Thursday that Ontario identified 78 new measles cases over the course of two weeks, calling it the largest outbreak the province has seen in almost 30 years.
