Latest news with #SimcoeMuskokaDistrictHealthUnit
CTV News
22-07-2025
- CTV News
Heading to the beach in Barrie? Here's what you need to know before you go
A lifeguard stand is pictured as people keep cool at Centennial Beach in Barrie, Ont. (Rob Cooper/CTV News). The City of Barrie reminds beachgoers to brush up on the rules before heading to the waterfront this summer. Whether you're soaking up the sun at Centennial Beach or dipping your toes in the water at Minet's Point, there are a few key guidelines in place to help keep everyone safe and the area clean, according to the City of Barrie. One of the main rules beach visitors should be aware of is that tents and sunshades are not permitted at Barrie's beaches or waterfront parks. The restriction is in place to preserve clear sightlines for lifeguards and visitors alike. However, standard umbrellas supported by a single pole are allowed. The city is also asking residents to check water quality reports before visiting the beach. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit regularly tests water at public beaches for safety, and results are posted online throughout the summer months. Other important reminders for a safe and enjoyable visit include: Leave no trace: If garbage bins are full, beachgoers are expected to take their waste home with them. No pets allowed: Dogs are not permitted on City beaches. Smoke-free zones: Smoking is strictly prohibited on all City beaches. No private cooking equipment: Personal barbeques, stoves, or any cooking appliances are not permitted on waterfront property — even if they're not in use. Designated community-use barbeques are available at Tyndale Park and Centennial Park, and are open daily. Users are asked to follow posted rules and dispose of used coals only in designated containers — not in regular trash bins.
CTV News
10-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
‘It loves water': Summer heat waves could lead to legionnaire outbreaks, expert says
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is investigating an outbreak of Legionnaire's disease in Orillia, Oct. 7, 2022 (CTV NEWS) A recent outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in southwestern Ontario has raised concerns about potential further spread and the risks posed by contaminated water systems during summer months. Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which are naturally found in freshwater environments. 'Legionnaire's disease is one of the two diseases that are caused by this Legionella bacteria,' said Dr. Dale Kalina Samji said in an interview with CTV News Channel Wednesday. 'It is a pneumonia, essentially, compared with the less severe Pontiac fever, which is a fever illness.' The disease is not spread person to person, as people become infected by inhaling water droplets containing the bacteria. The risk is especially high for older adults, smokers, those with chronic lung disease or anyone who is immunocompromised. 'It's a severe pneumonia that can be treated with antibiotics, as well,' Kalina said, adding some patients may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. The health unit in London, Ont., confirmed this week that more than 40 cases of legionella have been confirmed within a six-kilometre radius, with one person confirmed dead. The bacteria can multiply rapidly in human-made water systems, including hot tubs and large plumbing networks. 'Legionella loves water,' infectious diseases specialist, adding it thrives in water-borne areas like air conditioning, CPAP masks and even cooling towers. Kalina says hot weather might have to do something with the Legionnaires' disease outbreak because it is associated with water. 'Here in southern Ontario … we've had multiple heat waves,' he said. 'Interestingly in London, of course, they've got the outbreak right now, but they also had an outbreak similarly last year as well, and it's likely associated with similar contexts of cooling towers, and air conditioning.' With files from CTV News London Digital Lead Producer Kristylee Varley
Global News
15-06-2025
- Health
- Global News
Hepatitis A exposure at Barrie Tim Hortons restaurant
A health unit north of Toronto is running special hepatitis A vaccination clinics this weekend, after a staff member at a popular eatery contracted the disease. People who purchased food and drinks from a Tim Hortons in Barrie, ON in recent weeks may have been exposed to hepatitis A and are being advised to receive post-exposure vaccinations. Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) confirmed that a food handler at a Tim Hortons located at 181 Livingstone St. E., Barrie, has been identified as contracting hepatitis A. Anyone who came into contact with food or drinks at that location between May 17 and June 3 may have been exposed to the virus, the public health unit said, adding that there is no ongoing risk at the restaurant. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by a virus that is spread through the consumption of fecal matter. It is primarily contracted through direct contact with an infected person, but can be passed on by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Story continues below advertisement While the risk for customers to contract the disease is low, SMDHU advises monitoring for signs and symptoms, which can begin 15 to 50 days after exposure. Those who consumed food or beverages from this Tim Hortons in the last 14 days are recommended to receive the hepatitis A vaccine to help prevent the disease. Individuals who have received two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine or have previously had hepatitis A infection will have immunity from the disease, and do not require further vaccination. Date food or drink was purchased from Tim Hortons at 181 Livingstone St. E., Barrie Last date to receive post-exposure immunization 30 May 2025 from 6 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. June 13, 2025 31 May 2025 from 4:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. June 14, 2025 1 June 2025 from 4:30 a.m. -10:30 a.m. June 15, 2025 3 June 2025 from 6 a.m. – 2 p.m. June 17, 2025 SMDHU is running a special hepatitis A immunization clinic in Barrie at 15 Sperling Dr. until Tuesday, June 17.
