Peterborough Public Health Pauses Water Sample Courier Service For Winter Season

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Peterborough Public Health (PPH), the Municipality of Trent Lakes and the Township of North Kawartha have paused their joint well water sample drop-off program for the winter.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The final date for county residents to drop off their samples at the North Kawartha or Trent Lakes Municipal Offices is Nov. 28. The drop-off service will resume in the first week of April 2025.

Throughout the winter months, residents may continue to drop off well water samples at: 

  • Peterborough Public Health, 185 King St., Peterborough
    8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday
    8:30 a.m. –12 noon Friday 

  • Public Health Ontario Laboratory, 99 Hospital Dr., Peterborough
    8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday 

  • Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township Office, 1 Ottawa St., Havelock
    8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday 

PPH says it is essential to test well water several times yearly. Testing the water twice per year for a drilled well is recommended. For a dug well, the recommendation is four times per year.

“Even when the ground is frozen, contamination may be present. Sampling water from your well is the best way to ensure that the water is free of pathogens, which may cause illness if consumed.” said Chris Eaton, Public Health Inspector.  

Well water samples are tested for two types of bacterial contamination: total coliforms and E. coli which indicates the water has been contaminated with fecal material, which can contain disease-causing microbes. These can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Anyone can become ill if they consume contaminated water but the young, elderly and immuno-compromised are at a higher risk.

After samples are submitted, residents will receive water quality results by mail or call Public Health Ontario’s Interactive Voice Response at 1-877-723-3426.

For interpretation of the test results or to find out how to test for contaminants other than total coliforms or E. coli, please call Peterborough Public Health’s Safe Water Program at 705-743-1000, ext. 240 or visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

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Recalled Beef Jelly Tongue Products Sold in Region

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Health Canada has issued a recall of Beef Jelly Tongue products following confirmed cases of listeria linked to these products that have been sold within the region.

THe product sold at the Bridgenorth Deli. Photo courtesy of the Government of Canada.

One case of Listeria infection has been confirmed following the purchase of the product at Bridgenorth Deli, located at 871 Ward St. in Bridgenorth, prior to being informed of the recall.

The premise is cooperating with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Peterborough Public Health (PPH) regarding the product recall and assuring the safety of their clients according to press release. The deli is making every effort to contact the customers directly.

A visible display of sliced beef jelly tongue being sold. Photo courtesy of the Government of Canada.

Actions to take:

  • DO NOT EAT recalled products

  • If you are ill and think you have consumed the product, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

  • Check to see if you have recalled product and throw out or return to location of purchase.

Symptoms to monitor for:

  • Vomiting

  • Nausea

  • Persistent fever

  • Muscle aches

  • Severe headache

  • Stiff neck

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Peterborough Public Health Confirms Two Cases of Rabies Found In Local Bats

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Peterborough Public Health (PPH) received reports of two confirmed rabies cases in the local bat population, announced on Tuesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

PPH reminds residents to avoid interacting with wildlife as all mammals can carry rabies.

Although it’s rare, with vaccination and public health control measures, human infection with rabies is nearly 100 per cent fatal according to PPH. While animal bites are responsible for most instances of rabies transmission, saliva contamination of cuts, scratches and mucous membranes are also possible.

PPH suggested the following to protect your family and your pets from rabies:

  • Keep pets up to date with their rabies vaccination. In Ontario, it’s the law that all cats, dogs, and ferrets over three months of age must be vaccinated against rabies, and this vaccination must be kept up to date.

  • Teach children to avoid wild animals, pets they don’t know and animals that are acting strangely.

  • Talk to your veterinarian about vaccinating your livestock against rabies.

  • Stay away from any wildlife, dogs or cats you don’t know or any animal acting strangely. Remember, only mammals can carry rabies.

  • Keep pets away from wildlife. Don’t let pets run free and keep them indoors at night.

  • Don’t feed, transport or relocate wildlife.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water immediately, seek medical advice immediately and then contact Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000.

If your pets or livestock have had contact with a wild animal, such as a bat, skunk, fox or raccoon, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Veterinarians seeking assistance with risk assessments or animal post-exposure management can call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300.

For non-emergencies of sick/injured wildlife, call the Ontario Rabies Hotline at 1-888-574-6656, or Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at 1-866-673-4781. If the animal poses a public safety issue, contact police.

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Blue-Green Algae Blooms Expected This Summer Says Peterborough Public Health

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Peterborough Public Health (PPH) advises residents to protect themselves and their pets from blue-green algae (BGA), which may bloom in local lakes.

FIle photo.

Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria known to create ‘blooms’ of algae. These blooms are unsightly and smelly and can be toxic to humans and animals when touched or consumed. Possible effects for humans and animals include skin rash and eye irritation. If consumed in large quantities, the toxin associated with BGA can lead to illness and death. 

BGA occur naturally in waterways, particularly where water is shallow, slow-moving and warm. However, with rising temperatures and extreme weather due to climate change, BGA blooms are increasing according to PPH.

BGA presents in various forms, blooming and then dying off. As it is difficult to identify a toxic bloom, residents are advised to avoid all algae blooms. Residents relying on private water supplies, especially surface water supplies, should not use the water if a blue-green algae bloom is suspected. 

Peterborough Public Health inspects public beach water regularly and will close local beaches if BGA is identified. Water testing results can be found online.

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Peterborough Public Health to Resume Beach Water Testing

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Just in time for the summer, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has resumed beach water testing for Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, in the County and City of Peterborough.

File Photo.

Regular testing ensures water quality conditions are safe for recreational use.

“PPH staff complete beach water testing regularly throughout the summer months,” said Julie Bromley, PPH chief building official and manager of environmental health. This program is important to monitor the water quality of our public beaches and ensure that beaches with high bacterial counts are posted so that people can be aware and make informed choices.”

The routine surveillance program for all public beaches runs from early June until the end of August.

The following beaches are sampled daily, Monday to Friday:

  • Beavermead Park (2011 Ashburnham Dr., Peterborough)

  • Rogers Cove (131 Maria St., Peterborough)

Most public beaches in the county are sampled at least once a week, including:

  • Buckhorn Beach (12 John St., Buckhorn)

  • Crowe’s Line Beach (240 Crowe’s Line Rd., Trent Lakes)

  • Curve Lake Henry’s Gumming (150 Chemong St. S., Curve Lake)

  • Curve Lake Lime Kiln Park (150 Whetung St. E., Curve Lake)

  • Douro North Park (251 Douro Second Line, Douro-Dummer)

  • Ennismore Waterfront Park (1053 Ennis Rd., Ennismore)

  • Hiawatha Park (1 Lakeshore Rd., Hiawatha)

  • Jones Beach (908 Jones Beach Rd., Bridgenorth)

  • Lakefield Park (100 Hague Blvd., Lakefield)

  • Norwood Beachat Mill Pond (12 Belmont St., Norwood)

  • Sandy Beach(1239 Lakehurst Rd., Buckhorn)

  • Selwyn BeachConservation Area (2251 Birch Island Rd., Selwyn)

  • Squirrel Creek Conservation Area (2445 Wallace Point Rd., South Monaghan)

  • Warsaw Caves Conservation Area (289 Caves Rd., Warsaw)

The following public beaches are samples once a month from June to August:

  • Chandos Beach (2800 County Road/Hwy 620, North Kawartha)

  • Quarry Bay (1986 Northey’s Bay Rd., Woodview)

  • Belmont Lake (376 Miles of Memories Rd., Belmont)

  • Kasshabog Lake (431 Peninsula Rd., Havelock)

  • White’s Beach (26 Clearview Dr., Trent Lakes)

PPH says the following factors may result in high levels of bacteria or other conditions that cause the beach to be unsafe for swimming between sampling periods:

  • Heavy rainfall

  • Large numbers of waterfowl

  • Harmful algae blooms

  • High winds or wave activity

  • Large numbers of swimmers

Water samples are submitted to the Public Health Laboratory for bacteriological analysis. They are tested for E. coli which indicates fecal contamination in the water. It takes approximately 24 hours for PPH to receive and analyze the lab's water quality results.

“Swimming in water with high levels of E. coli bacteria can result in illness with unpleasant symptoms like abdominal cramps diarrhea and vomiting,” said Bromley. “Certain groups groups, particularly young children are at risk of more severe illness so if you see a beach that is posted for high-bacterial counts, it's best not to swim there.

If bacteria levels exceed recommended thresholds for recreational water use, the beach will be posted as unsafe and people should not swim there to avoid becoming ill according to PPH. A beach may be closed to the public if a significant risk to human health is identified, such as a toxic spill or a harmful algae bloom.

PPH has provided ways to help ensure the water quality stays safe:

  • Do not feed waterfowl

  • Do not let children swim in soiled diapers

  • Pick up your garbage

  • Clean up after your pets

Residents can find the status of public beaches at any time going online or by calling 705-743-1000, ext. 232 weekdays.

“The beach testing program has always been important,” said Bromley. “As we continue to experience the impacts of climate change, we know that our region will continue to experience warmer weather and an increase in the number of very hot days.”

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Local Bird Tests Positive For West Nile Virus

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Peterborough Public Health (PPH) have discovered a local bird has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Dave Ellis.

The bird was found dead in the region early in the month and submitted for testing. Birds and mosquitos can be a host and carry WNV.

During the summer months and early fall, PPH sets traps weekly throughout the City and County of Peterborough to gather mosquito specimens for WNV testing according to a press release. Last year, PPH reports that no mosquitos tested in the Peterborough region were positive for WNV but there were confirmed human cases in Ontario.

The majority of WNV cases do not show symptoms. About 20 per cent of infected people may have a mild flu-like illness with fever, headache, and body aches, occasionally with a skin rash and swollen lymph nodes or other non-specific symptoms that last several days. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or eye pain. Less than one percent of infected people will develop neuro-invasive disease, with older age groups and males disproportionately affected. 

To prevent WNV:

  • Avoid interacting with dead birds 

  • If one is found on your property, use a shovel and gloves to pick it up and double bag it. 

  • Report the bird to Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative 

  • Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water 

  • Prevent mosquito bites 

  • Cover up when going outside between the hours of dusk and dawn 

  • Use insect repellant containing DEET or icaridin, following manufacturer’s instructions 

  • Remove brush and standing water from property as they use this as a habitat 

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COVID-19 Spring Vaccine Available

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According to Peterborough Public Health, the Ontario Ministry of Health is recommending that eligible residents who are deemed high-risk receive a dose of the XBB COVID-19 vaccine this spring.

Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

This comes after the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) guidance.

From April to June, the following residents who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine within the last six months are recommended to receive a dose this Spring. Eligible residents include:  

  • Adults 65 years of age or older 

  • Adult residents of long-term care homes or other senior congregate living settings (ex. Retirement residences) 

  • Those 55 years of age or older who identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit and their non-Indigenous household members who are 55 years of age or older 

  • Those six months of age or older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (due to underlying condition or treatment) 

  • Speak with your healthcare provider if you are uncertain about your health status and eligibility 

Residents who are not eligible at this time are asked to wait for further guidance about receiving another dose closer to fall according to Peterborough Public Health.  

Eligible residents can receive their spring dose at a participating pharmacy. A full list of local pharmacies offering the COVID-19 vaccine including pharmacies vaccinating those ages six months or older, is available online.

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North Kawartha and Trent Lakes Well Water Drop Off Program Resumes On Tuesday

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The well water sampling drop-off program in the Township of North Kawartha and the Municipality of Trent Lakes resumes Tuesday.

Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

The program offers free sample collection kit pick-up and sample drop-off.

Water samples can be dropped off at,

  • North Kawartha Municipal Office is located at 280 Burleigh St., Apsley, Ont., on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.

  • Trent Lakes Municipal Office, located at 760 County Rd. 36, Trent Lakes, Ont., Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.

The samples are then couriered to the Public Health Ontario Lab in Peterborough for testing. Empty sample bottles can be picked up during regular business hours.

Well water testing is recommended twice a year: once in the spring and once in the fall. The samples are tested for two types of bacterial contamination: total coliforms and E. coli. PPH says that anyone can become ill if they consume contaminated water, but young people, older adults and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk.

Samples must be dropped off at the municipal offices within 24 hours of collection to ensure they reach the lab and are processed in a timely manner.

Residents are encouraged to carefully read each kit's sampling and collection instructions. Filled sample bottles should be delivered to the municipal office's front desk. Staff will then place them in a fridge until the courier collects them.

Water samples can also be dropped off at the following locations:

  • Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township Office, 1 Ottawa St., Havelock, from Monday through Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

  • Peterborough Public Health, 185 King St., Peterborough, is open between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon on Fridays.

  • Public Health Ontario Laboratory, 99 Hospital Dr. weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Residents will receive water quality results by mail or can call Public Health Ontario’s Interactive Voice Response at 1-877-723-3426.

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Peterborough Public Health Issue Drug Poisoning Alert High Number Recorded Wednesday

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Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is issuing an alert of high drug poisonings that were observed on Wednesday.

Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

There were five drug poisonings resulting in EMS calls or ED visits which are considered higher than the normal rates over the last five days according to PPH.

While Naloxone cannot reverse the effects of sedatives, PPH says there is no harm in administering it if you suspect a drug poisoning.

Drug poisoning can look different for every person, depending on the drugs involved. PPH urges everyone that drug poisoning is a medical emergency and always to call 9-1-1.  

This is a list of actions you can take if you suspect the following:

Drug Checking:

  • Available at Consumption & Treatment Site (CTS) – 220 Simcoe St.

  • Test strips for fentanyl, benzos, and xylazine are available at the CTS during hours of operation (9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.; daily)

Harm Reduction Support:

Crisis Support:

  • 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline - Call or text 9-8-8; National 24/7 suicide or emotional distress hotline. Telecare Distress Centre of Peterborough – call 705-745-2273; Open 24/7

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HPK and Peterborough Public Health Vote to Merge By Jan. 1 Next Year

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The Boards of Health for the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health (PPH) are seeking provincial approval and funding to merge during a virtual press conference on Wednesday afternoon voluntarily.

Screenshot.

The decision was influenced after the Ministry of Health announced plans to strengthen the public health sector in August by offering one-time funding, resources and support to local public health agencies that decide to merge by Jan. 1.

“The province has informed us they have a three-year merger support fund,” said Dr. Natalie Bocking, HKPR medical officer of health. “The amount of that fund has not been disclosed and so we don’t know what the province has put aside to be available for those health units that are merging.”

Bocking adds that the total sum could be teased over the coming weeks. There would be an increase in funding even if the health units were unsuccessful or opted not to merge.

“All health units have been informed that we should expect a one percent base increase from the province in the next three years, in the absence of mergers for the health units that will not be merging of which there are many,” she explained.

Last November, a Joint Board Merger Exploration Working Group was established with representatives from both health units and external consulting firm Sense & Nous to prepare a comprehensive Feasibility Assessment Report according to a press release. These findings were recently presented to both Boards of Health for consideration to help make an informed decision.

Both Bocking and Dr. Thomas Piggott, PPH medical officer of health agreed that all funding aside, the merger had several benefits between the two organizations.

“The primary benefit is going to be strength in numbers and strength in capacity and size across a larger geography,” said Piggott. “It means that our critical capacity could potentially be improved. There’s a lot of opportunity to improve the strength of our programs and services.”

“There will be some time found when we look at streamlining of services and some efficiencies found,” said Bocking. “We will be able to put that time and any efficiencies found into additional programs and services.”

During their meeting on Feb. 15, the HKPR District Health Unit Board of Health decided to proceed with a proposal to merge with Peterborough Public Health voluntarily.

“We have been diligent in the timeframe provided to review and consider all possible outcomes and impacts of a voluntary merger,” said David Marshall, Chair for HKPR District Health Unit’s Board of Health. “Ultimately, we agreed that by merging with Peterborough Public Health we can strengthen our capacity to deliver exceptional public health programs and services and to better respond to the unique needs of our small urban and rural communities.”

Should both health units merge, the population serviced would be roughly 345,000 people, according to Bocking.

During their meeting last Wednesday, the PPH Board of Health decided to proceed with a proposal for the voluntary merger with the HKPR District Health Unit.

“Over the past several months, we have carefully examined how a merger can strengthen the services that we provide to our communities,” said Joy Lachica, PPH Chair for the Board of Health. “This process revealed that joining together offers us the best pathway possible to protect and promote public health and keep our residents healthy. We are thrilled to start this journey together.”

The HKPR District Health Unit and PPH Boards of Health will submit a joint voluntary merger application to the Ontario Government by April 2. The application proposes how a proposed merger would benefit the communities they serve while supporting outcomes and priorities identified for public health by the Ministry of Health according to a press release.

Mergers of public health units require provincial legislative change which will not be definitive until the province has approved this and commits adequate funding for its success later in the year.

PPH and HKPR District Health Unit will continue operating independently during the provincial review period.

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