Latest news with #DrMatthewTenenbaum
CBC
31-07-2025
- Health
- CBC
Eastern equine encephalitis virus confirmed in horse in Wellington County
A horse in Wellington County has tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis virus, a mosquito-borne virus which the health unit says is "rare but potentially serious." There are no human cases reported, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health said in an advisory Thursday. This is the first case of the virus in the area. Public health says the horse has not travelled outside Wellington County. Public health says the virus mainly affects horses and poses a low risk to humans. However, the virus can be potentially life-threatening for some people in severe cases. Symptoms may include: fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness, seizures and behavioural changes. Last September and August, the virus was linked to the death of an Ottawa resident and a person in New Hampshire. There is no risk of human-to-human transmission, public health said. Although the virus "is rare in humans, this local case highlights the ongoing presence of mosquito-borne viruses and the importance of staying protected," associate medical officer of health Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum said in a release. "We remain proactive in monitoring and controlling mosquito populations in our region, but everyone should take basic steps to avoid mosquito bites." Earlier this month, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health reported a dead crow found in Guelph had tested positive for another mosquito-borne virus, West Nile. Public health says the most effective way to avoid both viruses is to reduce the risk of getting mosquito bites. People can do that by: Wearing light-coloured clothing (including long sleeves and pants). Using an approved mosquito repellant. Repairing holes in screen doors and windows.
CBC
16-07-2025
- Health
- CBC
Dead crow found in Guelph tests positive for West Nile virus
A dead crow found in Guelph has tested positive for the West Nile virus. Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health said Wednesday there are currently no human cases, but the presence of the virus in the crow shows it's circulating and transmission is possible. The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. "While the risk of severe illness is low, we encourage everyone to take simple precautions to prevent mosquito bites," associate medical officer Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum said in a release. Public health says the most effective way to avoid the virus is to reduce the risk of getting mosquito bites. People can do that by: Wearing light-coloured clothing (including long sleeves and pants). Using an approved mosquito repellant. Repairing holes in screen doors and windows. Reducing breeding places for mosquitos by removing standing water from properties including draining potential reservoirs like flowerpots and kids' pools and by frequently replacing water in bird baths and other water features. Public Health Ontario says on its website that most people infected with West Nile virus do not show symptoms. Others may experience a fever, head and body aches, fatigue, rash or in more serious cases, meningitis (swelling of brain and/or spinal cord) or encephalitis (brain swelling).
CBC
07-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
Guelph and area designated a 'risk area' for measles transmission: Province
Social Sharing The Ontario government has designated Guelph and the surrounding area as a "risk area" due to measles circulating in the community and local public health officials are urging everyone to "get vaccinated as soon as possible." As of Wednesday morning, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health is reporting 63 cases of measles in the area the health unit covers. "While this designation from the province highlights the overall measles risk to our community, it does not change our core guidance," Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, associate medical officer of health for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, said in a media release. "I am strongly encouraging every person to review their measles vaccine status and — if necessary — get vaccinated as soon as possible," he said. The designation comes as the latest data from the province shows there have been 1,384 people who have fallen ill from the virus since October. Back in April, Dr. Nicola Mercer, the CEO and medical officer of health of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, told CBC News the virus was not only spreading in the community but also in schools. "Initially when measles was circulating, and we had cases in our area, they were in communities that didn't have a lot of interaction. But now we have some children who are attending public schools who've come down with measles and now we have a lot more exposures and a lot more individuals that we're following up on," Dr. Nicola Mercer, the CEO and medical officer of health for the health unit, said at the time. Last month, families with students at Brisbane Public School in Erin, Ont., had been notified of a measles case at the school. There are now three schools listed with having four measles exposures: Brisbane Public School in Erin on April 16. Erin Public School on April 15 and May 1. Centre Peel Public School in Drayton on April 28 and April 29. People at greatest risk are those who have not yet had two doses of the vaccine. The risk for individuals who are fully immunized, with two doses of a vaccine, or born before 1970, is still considered very low. Public health is encouraging children to get immunized earlier than normally recommended. A child six months or older can get one dose, and are able to get a second dose by their first birthday. Children who have received their first dose can receive their second dose as early as four weeks after their first dose. Adults born after 1970 can also receive a first or second dose if they have not already received them. Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health says common signs and symptoms of measles include: Fever. Runny nose. Cough. Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis). Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik's spots). Red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads over the rest of the body.
