Latest news with #HuronPerth
CTV News
4 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Rabid bat found in South Huron
Huron Perth Public Health is reporting that a bat in South Huron has tested positive for rabies. This is the second bat in the region to test positive this year. Public health says it has followed up with the person involved to present rabies infection. 'If you are bitten or scratched by a bat, or if infectious material (such as saliva) from a bat gets into your eyes, nose, or an open wound, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately,' says Patrick Landry, public health inspector. If you find a bat in your home and are certain that there was no human contact, the health unit recommends trying to confine that bat to one room, turn on the lights and open a window so the bat can fly out. Tips to bat-proof your home or cottage Caulk holes in the exterior, even those as small as one-quarter to one-half inch in diameter Tighten screens, cap your chimney, place draft guards under doors leading to the attic and outside, and fill plumbing fixture holes with steel wool or caulk Keep doors tightly closed when going outside and coming back indoors
CTV News
5 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
West Nile Virus detected in Huron Perth
West Nile Virus has been detected in Huron Perth, leading to Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) reminding residents to be cautious. The mosquitoes were collected from traps in Listowel and Mitchell. These mark the first positive mosquito findings of the season for both Huron and Perth counties. 'It's not surprising to see positive mosquito pools in the month of August,' said Dale Lyttle, senior public health inspector. 'In the late summer months, people are at greatest risk of contracting West Nile Virus, so it's important to protect yourself while outdoors when mosquitoes are most active.' In order to protect yourself from the virus, HPPH recommends: Using an insect repellent that contains DEET or Icaridin when outside. Be sure to follow the directions on the packaging. Cover up with light-coloured clothes, long sleeves, and pants when outside or in areas where mosquito activity is high. Take extra precaution at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Get rid of standing water around the home at least once a week to reduce mosquito breeding grounds. HPPH reminds to watch for symptoms of West Nile Virus, but not everyone who's bitten will show the signs. Symptoms include fever, headaches, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and a rash on the chest, stomach, or back. Only one in 150 people will get seriously sick after being infected and will show signs of high fever, muscle weakness, vision loss, and a coma. Symptoms typically show between two and 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Seniors and those with a weakened immune system are most at risk. HPPH will continue testing for West Nile Virus. Traps are located in Stratford, St. Marys, Listowel, and Mitchell.
CTV News
17-07-2025
- 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
CBC
17-07-2025
- Health
- CBC
Measles cases rise in popular Ontario travel hot spot
Social Sharing 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. 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 1,340 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.
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.
