Latest news with #SimcoeMuskoka
CTV News
16 hours ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Heat warning in effect as ‘dangerous heat' set to begin
After Friday marked the first official day of summer, Sunday is expected to mark the first of several 'extreme' heat days across Central Ontario. According to Environment Canada, the Simcoe Muskoka region is one of many under a widespread heat warning for dangerous heat and humidity expected to last from Sunday afternoon until Tuesday. Daytime highs could reach 36 degrees and humidex values could reach 45. Overnight lows are expected to remain above 21 degrees, providing little relief from the heat. The weather agency urges protective action to be taken to prevent heat illnesses, and to watch for signs of heat exhaustion. 911 should be called immediately in the event of heat stroke. The heat warning extends across almost all of Southern and Central Ontario, as far southwest as Windsor, as far north as the Huntsville area, and as far northeast as the Quebec border. Environment Canada experts say they expect this summer to be another hot one after the warmest summer on record two years ago and second warmest last year. With files from CTV's Kim Phillips and Rob Cooper.
CTV News
5 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
‘Up tick' in cases: Rising threat of Lyme disease in central Ontario
With summer in full swing many are outside enjoying the weather around Simcoe-Muskoka, and while the weather is nice, more residents are reporting finding ticks on them after a day outside. Dr. Charles Gardner, medical officer of health and CEO of Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU), said tick cases continue to increase. 'In 2023, they had 1,800 cases of Lyme disease just over that figure. And that's gone up about six-fold over a decade. So that shows you the trajectory, the upward swing of this and here in Simcoe Muskoka, we had 47 cases in 2024,' Gardner said. Lyme Disease and Symptoms A tick can be as small as a poppy seed and grow depending on how long the bug is latched onto someone's skin. A tick can also carry diseases like Lyme disease. 'Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by a tick. Blackleg tick, to be precise, and has been becoming more and more common in southern Ontario, specifically, here in Simcoe Muskoka, over the last two to three decades,' Gardner noted. If a tick is latched onto a person's skin it could take weeks for symptoms to develop, including a rash where the tick was. 'You can also develop broader symptoms, such as a fever, muscle aches and pains, joint inflammation, perhaps a stiff neck,' explained Gardner. 'If it remains longer, 30 days or more, you can end up with paralysis of the lower portion of your face, something they call a Bell's palsy that can be on one side or both sides, It can have inflammation of the heart, can develop something called a heart block with a slowing of the heart, arthritis and some neurological symptoms as well, inflammation of the brain, so it's quite serious as it progresses on.' The medical officer of health advised seeking medical attention if a tick has been latched longer than 24 hours. Prevention There are ways to help reduce the risk of a tick latching onto a person, including staying out of heavily weeded or long grass and covering yourself if you are outdoors in similar areas. Checking yourself and children is also heavily recommended. 'Typically, you take a device, tweezers and basically you're clamping at from the mouth parts that are right in - going into the skin and carefully with firm pressure, pulling it out so that you get it out entirely,' said Gardner. Ticks and Pets While tick cases are trending upwards in Simcoe-Muskoka, they are also becoming more common in pets. Dr. Virginia Cornell, veterinarian at Aldergrove Animal Clinic in Barrie, said the increase in ticks on dogs is increasing. 'The per cent of tick-transmitted disease that we're seeing this year has increased, probably about 400 per cent over what we saw in previous years.' She added that ticks are becoming larger in size and with climate becoming warmer there is no die-off. Unlike humans who can show symptoms over a few weeks, it's a different scenario for dogs. Symptoms in Pets 'If you don't find the tick right away on your dog, you probably aren't going to notice the symptoms yourself until your pet starts to show signs,' said Cornell. 'Vague signs of illness, and you end up here seeking medical attention as the symptoms could vary anywhere from your pet, just not feeling well. We might notice a fever. We might notice joint swelling or lameness.' During walks, dogs should avoid heavy brush and long grass. There are also vaccines to help your pets which Cornell said can be treated year-round. Tick Removal 'The most common place that you're going to find ticks are around the face, neck, feet area,' said Dr. Cornell. 'So, check well and if you find a tick, remove it right away. And then if you know that your pet has had a tick bite, a tick exposure about six to eight weeks later, bring your pet in for blood testing so we can see if your pet was exposed to any of the diseases that ticks can transmit.' When removing the tick, its important to remove the tick completely without killing it. 'Ticks are known to regurgitate as they die and the pathogens that they carry are usually contained in their saliva and their stomach contents, so you don't want to kill the tick during the removal process,' said Cornell. Once the tick is removed safely both Gardner and Cornell emphasized the importance of taking a picture of the tick and submit it online so it can be categorized by species and location where it was found.
CTV News
5 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Health officials encourage parents to get kids caught up with vaccinations this summer
Local health officials are encouraging parents to get their kids up-to-date with their vaccinations this summer. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) sent letters to parents of students in Grades 2 and 3, born in 2016 and 2017, this month notifying them about required immunizations. 'If you received one of these letters, summer is a great time to catch up,' the health unit stated. 'With summer camps and group activities just around the corner, keeping children protected against preventable diseases is more important than ever,' said Dr. Colin Lee, SMDHU associate medical officer of health. 'Camps provide great experiences, but they also mean kids are in close contact with other kids, which can increase the risk of spreading illness. Vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent serious diseases like whooping cough, meningococcal meningitis and measles.' Families requiring immunizations can books an appointment with their health care provider, or those without a family physician can book an immunization appointment at SMDHU offices located in their community. Immunization records can be checked and updated online. 'It's important to ensure your child's immunization record is up to date. If your child has received vaccinations outside of the health unit, you must submit this missing information,' the health unit noted.
CTV News
13-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Health officials warn about potential Hepatitis A exposure at Barrie Tim Hortons
Health officials are warning the public about a potential Hepatitis A exposure from a Barrie Tim Hortons. According to officials with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU), a food handler working at the coffee shop at the corner of Livingstone Street East and St. Vincent Street has been identified as a confirmed case of Hepatitis A. Health experts say the risk for customers to contract the disease is low, but say they should monitor for signs and symptoms, which can appear 15 to 50 days after exposure. 'There is no ongoing risk at the restaurant,' SMDHU confirmed in a release Friday. 'The restaurant is fully cooperating with public health, and it's important to know that this situation could happen anywhere.' Date and time food or drink was purchased from Tim Hortons - 181 Livingstone St. E., Barrie Last date to receive Hepatitis A vaccine to prevent disease May 30, 2025 from 6 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. June 13, 2025 May 31, 2025 from 4:30am-12:30 p.m. June 14, 2025 June 1, 2025 from 4:30 a.m. -10:30 a.m. June 15, 2025 June 3, 2025 from 6 a.m. – 2 p.m. June 17, 2025 The health unit recommends those who consumed food or drinks from this Tim Hortons to get a Hepatitis A vaccine within 14 days of exposure and contact your health care provider. The health unit will host a Hep A immunization clinic for those who may have been exposed at the Tim Hortons at 15 Sperling Drive in Barrie. SMDHU Hepatitis A immunization Clinic - 15 Sperling Drive, Barrie Date Time Fri., June 13 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Sat., June 14 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sun., June 15 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon., June 16 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. Tues., June 17 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. Anyone who was at the Tim Hortons between May 17 and May 29 is no longer eligible or recommended for a post-exposure immunization. Instead, the health unit asks you monitor for symptoms and contact a health care provider if necessary. Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a virus that spreads through contaminated food, drinks, surfaces or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms include fever, loss of apetite, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine or clay-coloured stools, diarrhea, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. 'People who are older, have weakened immune systems, or have chronic liver disease are at higher risk of severe illness,' SMDHU concluded.
CTV News
05-06-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Barrie, central Ontario under special air quality statement
The Simcoe Muskoka region and surrounding areas are among the many across the country that are expected to experience air quality impacts as wildfire smoke moves southeast. According to Environment Canada, Simcoe Muskoka and York Region are under a special air quality statement as wildfire smoke is expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility. The alert is issued for Thursday night and could remain in effect for some areas on Friday. Symptoms The weather agency urges limiting outdoor activities as rising smoke levels cause rising health risks. The symptoms they list from inhaling smoky air include eye, nose, or throat irritation, as well as headaches or mild cough. Less common but more serious symptoms listed by Environment Canada include wheezing, chest pains, or severe cough. Those who they say are likely to be most impacted include seniors, expectant mothers, infants, young children, and people with a chronic health condition. How to stay protected Environment Canada recommends keeping doors and windows closed as much as possible and using an air filter or certified portable air cleaner. Those working outside are urged to wear a respirator mask, such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or an equivalent respirator. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) also released a notice Thursday afternoon, urging locals to stay hydrated, reduce activities if symptoms are experienced, and seek medical attention if necessary. The bottom line Environment Canada's air quality warnings and special air quality statements for Thursday span as far west as the affected wildfire regions themselves in Saskatchewan and Manitoba to as far east as the Gulf of Saint Lawrence in Quebec. The Greater Toronto Area, the Simcoe Muskoka region, the Niagara region, Ottawa, Kingston and Thunder Bay are among the notable Ontario urban centres that are under special air quality statements.
