Peterborough Public Health Reminding At-Risk Residents To Book for MPox Vaccine

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is reminding those who are at risk of contracting Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) to complete their two-dose vaccination series of Imvamune announced on Tuesday.

File Photo.

“We are cautioning residents that the risk of contracting Mpox is a bit higher after a recent outbreak in Toronto this past month,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, PPH medical officer of health. “While our region has not seen a case since July 2022, we want to ensure residents who are at higher risk of contracting Mpox are vaccinated to provide themselves with the best protection.”

Mpox is a virus spread by close and prolonged contact with a person or animal who has it or with contaminated materials (e.g., clothing, bedding) according to PPH. Mpox has spread mostly between people who have had close/intimate or sexual contact with a person who has the virus.

PPH urges anyone part of the at-risk population is asked to remain vigilant for symptoms and take precautions to prevent infection. The Imvamune vaccine is available as pre and post-exposure prophylaxis.

Residents who are eligible for the 2-dose vaccine series as a pre-exposure prophylaxis include:

• Two-spirit, non-binary, transgender, cisgender, intersex or gender-queer individuals (18+) who self-identify or have sexual partners who self-identify as belonging to the gay, bisexual, pansexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) community AND at least one of the following:

  • Had a confirmed sexually transmitted infection within the last year

  • Have or are planning to have two or more sexual partners or are in a relationship where at least one of the partners may have other sexual partners

  • Have attended venues for sexual contact (i.e., bathhouses, sex clubs) recently or may be planning to, or who work/volunteer in these settings

  • Have had anonymous sex (e.g., using hookup apps) recently or may be planning to

  • Are a sexual contact of an individual who engages in sex work

• Individuals who self-identify as engaging in sex work or are planning to, regardless of self-identified sex or gender.

• Household and/or sexual contacts of people who are eligible for pre-exposure vaccination– listed above AND who are moderately to severely immunocompromised or pregnant.

Eligible residents can book an appointment for the Imvamune vaccine by calling 705-743-1000, ext. 331

Anyone with symptoms or who believe they have been exposed should reach out to their healthcare provider. The vaccine is available to some residents who present with symptoms following the recommendation of their healthcare provider. Symptoms typically appear within five to 21 days after exposure and include,

• A rash or blisters (lesions)

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Fever and chills

• Muscle aches

• Headaches

• Exhaustion

For more information about MPOX and booking a vaccine appointment please visit online.

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Peterborough Public Health Extends January 26 Drug Poisoning Alert

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is extending the Jan. 26 drug poisoning alert after reporting an increase in drug poisonings announced Monday.

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From Jan. 25 to Jan. 29 PPH detected high numbers of drug poisonings that occurred in Peterborough City and County.

A total of 18 drug-related poisonings were responded to by 911 first responders. These products have an increased level of toxicity, and may be cut or mixed with another substance where even a small dose can be fatal.

Public health reminds the community to give naloxone if you suspect an individual is experiencing drug poisoning, and call 911 as you continue to monitor their breathing until medical help arrives.

PPH has released a list of signs of an opioid overdose:

• Skin is cold and clammy

• Fingernails or lips are blue or purple

• Body is very limp

• Can’t wake the person up

• Deep snoring or gurgling sounds

• Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped

• Pupils are very small

Residents can anonymously report drug poisonings and other bad drug reactions using the Drug Reporting Tool. Any information shared through the tool supports PPH and community partners in responding to and preventing drug poisonings in the Peterborough area.

Under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or someone else who has overdosed will not be charged for possessing or using drugs for personal use.

If you partake in drug use, PPH recommends that you:

• Don’t use drugs alone. Visit the Consumption Treatment Services site (220 Simcoe St. from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)

• If using with a friend, do not use at the exact same time

• Have a plan. Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service 1-888-688-6677

• Carry a naloxone kit

• Avoid mixing drugs

• Test your drug by using a small amount first

• Call 911 immediately if someone cannot be resuscitated after naloxone is administered

PPH continues to monitor drug-related data and urge members of the community to take precautions. For more information, or to find out how to access naloxone, visit the public health website.

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Peterborough Public Health Issues Drug Poisoning Warning After Weekend Responses

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has issued a warning following an increase in suspected drug poisonings over the weekend, announced on Monday.

File photo.

There were seven drug-related poisonings were responded to by 911 first responders and the Emergency Department. PPH presumes this is a result of an opioid product that is pink in colour and has an increased level of toxicity according to a press release.

Peterborough Public Health is reminding the public that street drugs may be cut or mixed with toxic substances. Beware that using even a small amount of drug can be fatal.

Give naloxone if you suspect an individual is experiencing drug poisoning. This may improve breathing but may not help the individual regain consciousness. Call 911 and continue to monitor breathing until medical help arrives.

If you use drugs, PPH recommends that you:

• Don’t use drugs alone. Visit the Consumption Treatment Services site at 220 Simcoe St., open 9:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., days a week.

• If using with a friend, do not use at the exact same time.

• Have a plan – Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service 1-888-688-6677.

• Carry a naloxone kit. Keep it visible and close by.

• Avoid mixing drugs.

• Test your drug by using a small amount first.

• Call 911 immediately if someone cannot be resuscitated after naloxone is administered.

PPH has released a list of signs of an opioid overdose and what to do in case of one:

• Skin is cold and clammy

• Fingernails or lips are blue or purple

• Body is very limp

• Can’t wake the person up

• Deep snoring or gurgling sounds

• Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped

• Pupils are very small

• If an overdose is witnessed: Call 911. Give naloxone. Continue to check for breathing. Stay with the person until help arrives.

• Under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or for someone else who has overdosed, WILL NOT be charged for possessing or using drugs for personal use.

Residents can anonymously report drug poisonings and other bad drug reactions using the ‘Drug Reporting Tool’.

Any information shared through the tool supports PPH and community partners in responding to and preventing drug poisonings in the Peterborough area.

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Peterborough Public Health Offering Alternative Healthcare Tips During Surge Season

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is advising the community to consider alternative healthcare options before coming into the Emergency Department (ED) during the surge season announced on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) continues to experience extremely high patient volumes – both adult and pediatric – as well as higher patient acuity and ongoing staffing shortages. Individuals who come to the ED for care should expect to wait longer than usual to be seen for all but the most serious illnesses and conditions.  

Community members are urged by PPH to consider alternative options for healthcare before making a trip to the ED: 

Primary care 

If you are registered with a family physician or nurse practitioner, please contact them first. Same-day access instructions will be offered via the office voicemail message. 

Throughout the surge season, the Peterborough Family Health team (PFHT) offers extended hours to serve patients with non-urgent concerns. Learn more about extended holiday coverage for each clinic here: https://www.peterboroughfht.com/extended-hours-service 

PRHC’s COVID, Cold and Flu Clinic 

Previously called the COVID-19 Assessment Centre, this clinic has expanded to include assessment, testing and treatment for patients with symptoms of COVID, cold and flu, providing a faster, more convenient option for patients to be seen by a physician. Regular clinic hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and weekends from 8:00 a.m. to noon. The clinic is closed on Christmas Day (Dec. 25) and New Year’s Day (Jan. 1). 

Health Connect Ontario 

Speak with a nurse day or night about any non-urgent health concerns by calling 811. This is a free, confidential service that is available 24/7.  

Alternative care options 

Consider this list of alternative options for healthcare in our community, including walk-in clinics and virtual clinics, before making a trip to the ED. 

Pediatric care resources 

If you are caring for a child with respiratory symptoms, please refer to these ressources: 

• https://www.ontariofamilyphysicians.ca/files/ocfp_actionsparentscantake.pdf

• https://www.pharmacists.ca/advocacy/issues/drug-shortages/childrens-medication-shortage/

The flu shot is free and widely available at many local pharmacies and your doctor’s office. Call your doctor to make an appointment for a flu shot for yourself or a member of your family and ask about your doctor’s flu clinic schedule. Community members can easily find out where the flu shot is available by visiting: http://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/flu. Additional tips and information are available at www.ontario.ca/flu. 

Residents are advised to use PPH’s COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Risk Index and Guidance over the holidays. PPH continues to host mass COVID-19 vaccine clinics. Eligibility criteria and the clinic calendar can be found at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/covid-19-vaccine-clinic/. Appointments can be booked via the provincial vaccine booking centre call line at 1-833-943-3900 or online at covid-19.ontario.ca/getting-covid-19-vaccine. Walk-ins will be accepted at this time. 

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Holiday Hours for Peterborough Public Health Announced

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) notes that office hours will be adjusted for the holiday season, with some closures.

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PPH will be closed over the holidays at the following times:

• Dec. 23 at noon to Dec. 27

• Dec. 30 at noon to Jan. 2

PPH will resume regular hours on Jan. 3.

The after-hours line will be available for public health emergencies at 705-743-1000.

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Peterborough Public Health Issues Warning After Increase in Suspected Drug Poisonings

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has issued a warning following an increase in suspected drug poisonings over the weekend, announced on Monday.

File Photo

PPH detected a higher-than-usual number of drug-related Emergency Department Visits on Sunday. Four drug-related poisonings were treated by the emergency department as reported by the PPH. They presume to be the result of a product that may contain benzodiazepines. A benzodiazepine-related overdose may last for hours and make it hard to wake up an individual. These reports have prompted PPH to issue a public warning to help prevent further harms to the community.

Peterborough Public Health is reminding the public that street drugs may be cut or mixed with toxic substances. Beware that using even a small amount of drug can be fatal.

Give naloxone if you suspect an individual is experiencing drug poisoning. This may improve breathing but may not help the individual regain consciousness. Call 911 and continue to monitor breathing until medical help arrives.

If you use drugs, PPH recommends that you:

• Don’t use drugs alone. Visit the Consumption Treatment Services site at 220 Simcoe St., open 9:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., days a week.

• If using with a friend, do not use at the exact same time.

• Have a plan – Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service 1-888-688-6677.

• Carry a naloxone kit. Keep it visible and close by.

• Avoid mixing drugs.

• Test your drug by using a small amount first.

• Call 911 immediately if someone cannot be resuscitated after naloxone is administered.

PPH has released a list of signs of an opioid overdose and what to do in case of one:

• Skin is cold and clammy

• Fingernails or lips are blue or purple

• Body is very limp

• Can’t wake the person up

• Deep snoring or gurgling sounds

• Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped

• Pupils are very small

• If an overdose is witnessed: Call 911. Give naloxone. Continue to check for breathing. Stay with the person until help arrives.

• Under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or for someone else who has overdosed, WILL NOT be charged for possessing or using drugs for personal use.

Residents can anonymously report drug poisonings and other bad drug reactions using the ‘Drug Reporting Tool’.

Any information shared through the tool supports PPH and community partners in responding to and preventing drug poisonings in the Peterborough area.

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Peterborough Public Health Issues Alert After Increase In Suspected Drug Poisonings

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has issued a warning after an increase in suspected drug poisonings on Monday.

File Photo.

On Saturday, PPH received reports of a bad batch of drugs circulating in Peterborough and Peterborough County. PPH suspects to be the result of an opiate product that is purple in colour and has an increased level of toxicity. They have issued a public warning in the hopes of preventing further harm to the community as a result of these reports.

PPH reminds the public that street drugs may be cut or mixed with toxic substances. Even small amounts of a tainted drug can be fatal.

If you use drugs, PPH recommends that you:

• Don’t use drugs alone. Visit the Consumption Treatment Services site at 220 Simcoe St., open 9:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., days a week.

• If using with a friend, do not use at the exact same time.

• Have a plan – Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service 1-888-688-6677.

• Carry a naloxone kit. Keep it visible and close by.

• Avoid mixing drugs.

• Test your drug by using a small amount first.

• Call 911 immediately if someone cannot be resuscitated after naloxone is administered.

PPH has released a list of signs of an opioid overdose and what to do in case of one:

• Skin is cold and clammy

• Fingernails or lips are blue or purple

• Body is very limp

• Can’t wake the person up

• Deep snoring or gurgling sounds

• Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped

• Pupils are very small

• If an overdose is witnessed: Call 911. Give naloxone. Continue to check for breathing. Stay with the person until help arrives.

• Under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or for someone else who has overdosed, WILL NOT be charged for possessing or using drugs for personal use.

Residents can anonymously report drug poisonings and other bad drug reactions using the ‘Drug Reporting Tool’.

Any information shared through the tool supports PPH and community partners in responding to and preventing drug poisonings in the Peterborough area.

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Peterborough Public Health to Hold Virtual Meeting Over Proposed Sewage Systems Fee Changes

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is holding a virtual public meeting on Dec. 29 regarding proposed fee increases for administration and enforcement services of Sewage Systems (Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code) announced Monday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Proposed Fee Changes for Sewage Systems services include:

• Permit for Class 4 Sewage System, design capacity less than or equal to 4500 litres per day

  • Current fee – $750.00

  • Proposed fee Jan. 1, 2023 – $1000.00

• Permit for Class 4 Sewage System, design capacity greater than 4500 litres per day and less than or equal to 10,000 litres per day

  • Current fee – $1,200.00

  • Proposed fee Jan. 1, 2023 – $1450.00

• Permit for Class 5 Sewage System (Holding Tank)

  • Current fee – $750.00

  • Proposed fee Jan. 1, 2023 – $1000.00). The proposed fee schedule changes are expected to come into effect Jan. 1, 2023 and include increases to permit fees for Class 4 and Class 5 Sewage Systems. The virtual meeting is a public hearing as part of the legislation.

PPH reported a high number of malfunctioning and failing onsite sewage systems (septic systems) and is reminding residents that a sewage or septic system needs regular maintenance for optimal performance.

“Having your septic tank pumped every three to five years is one of the simplest ways to maintain your sewage system and prevent premature failure,” says Julie Ingram, manager of environmental health.

Signs of a failing septic system include:

• sewage odour indoors or outdoors.

• breakout of sewage on the ground.

• ponding of water on the leaching bed.

• lush vegetation growth in areas along pipes but dry/dead grass in between.

• sewage backup into dwelling.

In addition to regularly pumping a septic tank, PPH recommends that homeowners follow the advice below to maintain a healthy, functioning septic system:

• Distribute activities that use large amounts of water throughout the week. Avoid doing all of your laundry on one day and alternate days for laundry and running the dishwasher.

• Avoid flushing grease down the drain; grease can clog the leaching bed and cause a system to prematurely fail.

• Avoid automatic toilet bowl cleaners and drain ‘decloggers’, which continuously add harsh chemicals to sewage system, and may disrupt the microbiological balance of the system.

• Use cleaners and disinfectants that are ‘septic friendly.’ For example, a mild bleach solution is an effective disinfectant and when used modestly and appropriately, is unlikely to harm a sewage system. Limit the use of Quaternary Ammonium disinfectants, as these are very hard on septic systems.

• Do not flush disinfectant wipes or other sanitary products because they can lead to blockages within the system, and cause the system to fail.

• If you are completing home renovations or construction projects, use caution. Do not wash solvents or paint down household drains as these products are exceptionally damaging to an onsite sewage system.

If you suspect your septic system is failing:

• Contact a licensed onsite sewage system professional to examine the system.

• Pump the septic tank as often as necessary to prevent sewage from ponding to the ground surface.

• Contact the PPH office to speak with a Public Health Inspector in the Safe Sewage Program.

Members of the public interested in attending the meeting are asked to register in advance by calling (705) 743-1000 ext. 228.

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Water Sample Courier Service Paused for the Winter

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 announced on Tuesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The final date for county residents to drop off their samples to the North Kawartha Municipal Office and the Trent Lakes Municipal Office is Nov. 24.

The free well water sample drop-off service returns on first week of April. During the winter months, residents can continue to drop off their samples at the following locations:

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

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

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

“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 can cause illness if consumed,” said Chris Eaton, public health inspector from PPH. “We look forward to resuming our courier service with the municipalities in the spring to ensure ease for residents when submitting well water for testing.”

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 they can 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. 232 or visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

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Peterborough Public Health's Andy Michell Steps Down As Board of Health Chair

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) Board Chair Andy Mitchell is stepping down from his role as a member of the Board of Health after three years of services announced on Thursday.

Dr. Thomas Piggott (left) with Andy Mitchell (right) in from of the PPH office located on 185 King St. Piggott assumed PPH’s medical officer of health role on Dec. 1 last year. Photo courtesy of PPH.

“Andy stepped up to chair our Board during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic response in 2020,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health, “His leadership through the pandemic and his support for our Board, our Executive and our entire PPH team have been inspiring.”

In 2018, Mitchell joined the Board of Health after being elected as Mayor of Selwyn Township. Since being appointed Board Chair in 2020, he has chaired 32 Board of Health meetings and several committee, working group and internal meetings.

“It has been an honour to serve the public for the past 30 years and to finish my career in public service working with the Staff at Peterborough Public Health,” said Mitchell. “I want to thank the Staff for their dedication and personal sacrifices for the health of our community. Lives have been saved because of the work of public health employees. I would also like to thank my fellow Board members for their advocacy for the health of our community and commitment to public service. And to the community, stay safe, be well and in all things, be kind.”

Councilor Henry Clarke who has served as a Board of Health member and two-time Board chair since 2004 is also stepped down from his role.

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