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CTV News
5 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Health risks linger as smoky skies and poor air quality persist
The special air quality statement has been lifted in Waterloo Region, but we're not in the clear yet. CTV's Alexandra Holyk explains. Smoky skies from western wildfires continue to pose health risks even as the air quality improves. On Tuesday, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) lifted the special air quality statement for most of southern Ontario and eastern parts of the country. It was in place over the long weekend as the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) reached an 8, which is considered 'high risk.' 'The situation with the air quality has improved, which is why we don't have the special air quality statement in effect,' said ECCC weather spokesperson Alexandra Cournoyer. 'However, we still have some level of fine particles in the air.' The fine particles are known as PM 2.5 and are made of various pollutants, including soot, smoke, dust, and other elements found in burning wildfires. They are invisible to the naked eye and can cause serious health risks if breathed in. 'They can enter our bloodstream and put some stress on our heart and lungs and other organs of the body,' said Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, the associate medical officer of health for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. 'How bad those are depends on how much smoke is in the air, as well as how long you're exposed,' he added. Tenenbaum said while everyone is at risk, some may feel it more than others. 'If you have asthma, if you have COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) or existing lung disease, that can make it that much harder for you,' he said. The smoke can also be tough on those with seasonal allergies, who may notice an increase in nose, throat and eye irritation. As for how to avoid breathing in the smoke, health officials recommend using high quality respirators or masks. 'Staying indoors is the key thing to protect yourself,' said Tenenbaum. 2025 wildfire season on track to be second-largest Summer 2025 is shaping up to be the second-largest wildfire season on modern record, said Ze'ev Gedalof, an associate professor in geography at the University of Guelph. According to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, as of Tuesday afternoon, there were 746 active wildfires burning across the country, causing smoke that has billowed through Canada over the last few months. 'This really is the new normal,' Gedalof said. Cournoyer said ECCC has issued more special air quality statements this year compared to 2024. 'It's not going to stop burning,' Gedalof said. 'The smoke is going to keep blowing downwind from the boreal forest in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and even into B.C.,' he added. Gedalof said it's because the forest is out of equilibrium with the climate that's driving it. 'When it experiences these long, hot, dry summers, plus any sort of ignition – whether it's a cigarette butt or an unattended campfire or a lightning strike – when it does ignite, it's going to burn.' However, he said there are ways to reduce risks. 'Most ignitions are human caused,' Gedalof noted. 'So the fewer fires we start, the less smoke we have to breathe.'
CTV News
31-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Wellington County reports first case of mosquito-acquired horse virus
West Nile virus is spread to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. (File) A horse in Wellington County has tested positive for the Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus, which is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEEV, is a rare but serious illness. While it mostly affects horses, people can also catch the disease. Symptoms in humans include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, seizures, drowsiness and behavioural changes. Some people can develop meningitis or encephalitis while, in severe cases, the virus is potentially life-threatening. There is no risk of human-to-human transmission. Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health said there has never been a confirmed human case of EEEV in the region. The horse, they explained, had not travelled outside Wellington County. 'This local case highlights the ongoing presence of mosquito-borne viruses and the importance of staying protected,' Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, the associate medical officer of health for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, said in a media release. 'We remain proactive in monitoring and controlling mosquito populations in our region, but everyone should take basic steps to avoid mosquito bites.' To reduce the risk of infection by a mosquito, officials stressed the importance of: Wearing light-coloured clothing Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially when outdoors at dawn or dusk Using Health Canada-approved mosquito repellents Repairing all screens on windows and doors Draining standing water around your property (flowerpots, birdbaths, kiddie pools, clogged gutters, etc.) Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health said they continue to conduct mosquito testing around the region for both the West Nile virus and EEEV.
CTV News
16-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Dead crow in Guelph tests positive for West Nile virus
An adult mosquito is shown in the laboratory as the 2007 West Nile Virus program of the Middlesex-London Health Unit kicked off in Strathroy, Ont., Thursday May 10, 2007. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dave Chidley) A dead crow found in Guelph has tested positive for the West Nile virus. Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, who was notified of the results, said no human cases of the illness have been reported. 'The detection of West Nile Virus in a dead bird in our region means that mosquitoes capable of transmitting the virus are present locally,' Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, the unit's associate medical officer of health, said in Wednesday's media release. 'While the risk of severe illness is low, we encourage everyone to take simple precautions to prevent mosquito bites.' The virus is primarily spread by mosquitoes. While most people do not experience any symptoms, some may develop a fever, headache, body aches, mild rash or swollen lymph glands. In very rare cases, fewer than one per cent, symptoms can be more severe and affect the central nervous system. Symptoms include headaches, a high fever, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, drowsiness and confusion. Those could eventually lead to loss of consciousness, lack of coordination, muscle weakness, paralysis or even death. Mild cases typically recover within a week, while people with serious complications could still experience symptoms months or even years after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health shared the following prevention tips: Wear light-coloured clothing outdoors Wear long sleeves and pants outdoors Use an approved mosquito repellant Repair holes in screen doors and windows Remove standing water from your property so they don't become a breeding ground for mosquitoes (drain flowerpots, kids' pools, bird baths, other water features) Dead birds can be reported for testing to Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.
