Reporting Obligations Individuals who have or may have giardiasis shall be reported to the local Health Unit. Epidemiology Aetiologic Agent Giardiasis is caused by the protozoa, Giardia lamblia (also known as G. intestinalis or G. duodenalis). The organism is found in two forms, a pear-shaped trophozoite and an ovoid cyst. The trophozoite is relatively fragile, and… Continue reading Giardiasis
Reporting Obligations Confirmed and suspected cases shall be reported to the local Health Unit. Epidemiology Aetiologic Agent Amebiasis is an enteric infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica, a microscopic intestinal parasite excreted as cysts or trophozoites in stools of infected people. Clinical Presentation Clinical syndromes associated with E. histolytica infection include non-invasive intestinal infection, intestinal amebiasis,… Continue reading Amebiasis
Reporting Obligations Confirmed and suspected cases shall be reported to the local Health Unit. Epidemiology Aetiologic Agent The bacterium Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) and less commonly Campylobacter coli (C. coli) are the usual causes of campylobacteriosis. Campylobacter species are motile, comma-shaped, microaerophilic Gram-negative bacilli that cause gastroenteritis. Clinical Presentation Symptoms usually occur 2–5 days after… Continue reading Campylobacter
Reporting Obligations Confirmed and suspected cases shall be reported immediately to the local Health Unit. Epidemiology Aetiologic Agent Cholera is caused by toxigenic strains of Vibrio cholerae, which is a gram-negative, curved rod that is motile and has many serogroups. Only the toxin producing serogroups O1, O139 cause epidemics. However, non-toxigenic serotypes such as O141… Continue reading Cholera
Schools have a unique opportunity to positively influence students through educating, role modeling, and creating healthy and supportive learning environments. What Works? Creating a healthy school nutrition environment is best achieved by: Resources Resources to support implementation can be found in the sections below. Educators may also contact their School’s Public Health Nurse for additional… Continue reading Healthy Eating at School
Early Childhood Tooth Decay Early Childhood Tooth Decay (ECTD) is a form of cavities in infants, toddlers and young children. A baby’s teeth are prone to cavities as soon as they appear in the mouth. Acid attacks occur when a child’s teeth are constantly exposed to sugar liquids or foods. These acid attacks begin to… Continue reading Infant and Child Oral Health
Being active enjoying winter activities and sports is a great way to stay healthy. Winter is a great season for outdoor activities. Cold weather, ice and snow can be fun but also dangerous. Most injuries are predictable and preventable. Parachute Canada has information about how to enjoy winter and stay safe. Winter Outdoor Walking Safety Walking… Continue reading Winter Safety
Ticks The black-legged tick or deer tick is now commonly found in our area. Climate Change has added to this risk with warmer temperatures that allow ticks to survive, multiply, travel farther and may carry more diseases. Some of these ticks carry the bacteria responsible for causing Lyme Disease and Anaplasmosis. Ticks prefer to live… Continue reading Insect Bites and Diseases
Indoor and outdoor air quality can cause health problems for some that are sensitive to environmental contaminates in the air. Contaminates that contribute to indoor air quality include substances such as mould, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, as well as asbestos. Contaminates that contribute to poor outdoor air quality include increased particulate matter, aeroallergens, burning… Continue reading Air Quality
Many of us spend long periods of time in our homes. You want to feel safe in your home and not worry that things in your home may be making you or family sick. By being aware of what hazards may exist in your home, you can reduce your risks. The following section deals with common household… Continue reading Household Hazards