Health Unit Warns Community of Pertussis (Whooping Cough) in the Region
Parents advised to recognize symptoms which are particularly dangerous to children under one |
PORT HOPE, ON (April 16, 2024) – The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) would like to remind parents and guardians to ensure their children’s immunizations are up to date and on file with the local health unit, after being notified of confirmed cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, in the City of Kawartha Lakes.
Pertussis is a serious bacterial infection of the respiratory system and was one of the most common childhood diseases and a cause of child mortality in the 20th century. Routine childhood immunization for pertussis along with protection from polio, tetanus and diphtheria has decreased cases of disease significantly.
Pertussis can be introduced to communities through travel to countries with lower rates of vaccination, and it can circulate among those who are unvaccinated, under vaccinated, or those whose vaccine effectiveness has decreased over time. It is very contagious and spreads via droplets from the noses and mouths of those who are infected. While anyone can get whooping cough, it is most dangerous for children under the age of one year, and pregnant women.
“Immunization remains the best way to protect your child or yourself from getting sick with pertussis,” said Dr. Natalie Bocking, Medical Officer of Health, and Chief Executive Officer for the HKPR District Health Unit. “Please familiarize yourself with the symptoms of pertussis and seek medical care if your child has these symptoms. Pertussis can be treated with antibiotics. Lastly, and most importantly, always ensure your child’s routine vaccinations are up to date and have been reported to the local public health unit.”
The Signs and Symptoms of Pertussis · Pertussis usually starts like a cold, with a very runny nose. · After a few days, the typical irritating coughing begins that becomes more frequent and severe. · Coughing may be followed by a “whoop” sound before the next breath. · The coughing can be so aggressive that children vomit or have trouble breathing. · The cough is usually severe for 2 to 3 weeks and then starts to get better but can last up to 1 to 2 months. Diagnosed cases of pertussis are treated with antibiotics. Parents/caregivers should check their own immunization records, as they may be eligible for publicly funded pertussis-containing vaccine when the next booster is due.
Additional Information and Resources · Fact Sheet: Pertussis (Whooping cough), Caring for Kids · Audio: Hear the sound of a child with whopping cough, Government of Canada The HKPR District Health Unit is also holding immunization clinics for students or people who do not have a health care provider. To book an appointment, call 1-866-888-4577, ext. 1507 or visit our Immunization Clinics webpage.
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News
HKPR Media Advisory – BOH Meeting Scheduled for April 18
Board of Health Meeting Scheduled for April 18, 2024
The in-person meeting will be LIVE streamed through the HKPR District Health Unit’s YouTube Channel
PORT HOPE, ON (April 16, 2024) - The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge, District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) would like to advise media and the community of an upcoming Board of Health meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 18, at 9:30 a.m.
The Board of Health meeting will be held in-person at HKPR District Health Unit – Port Hope Office, 200 Rose Glen Road, Port Hope, and recorded LIVE and uploaded to the HKPR District Health Unit’s YouTube Channel.
Items on the Board of Health meeting agenda include:
- Medical Officer of Health Updates
- Reports: Matthew Vrooman, Director of Corporate Services, will be providing the Board of Health a presentation on Cyber Security
- New Business: Chief Medical Officer of Health Annual Report
- New Business: Corporate Services Update
- Correspondence: Association of Local Public Heath Agencies Response to 2023 Chief Medical Officer of Health Annual Report An All-of-Society Approach to Substance Use and Harms
How to Attend
Members of the media and community are welcome to view the recorded meeting by accessing our YouTube Channel.
Agenda and Board Package
For a copy of the agenda and Board of Health package, or to view upcoming meetings and previous minutes please visit hkpr.on.ca/BOH or contact Ashley Beaulac, Manager of Communication Services at abeaulac@hkpr.on.ca.
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National Volunteer Week
For Immediate Release
Algonquin Highlands, Ontario
Monday, April 15, 2024
9 A.M.
Release #24-04
Subject: National Volunteer Week
It’s National Volunteer Week and Algonquin Highlands Council is celebrating the many residents who volunteer their time and energy to make Township events, activities, attractions and programming a reality.
“Council wishes to thank all Algonquin Highlands volunteers for their numerous and important contributions to our community,” says Mayor Liz Danielsen. “From those who assist with the planning and execution of the Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival, to those who help with the Stanhope Soccer League, to those who bring their ideas to the table as part of the Township’s advisory committees, we want you to know how thoroughly appreciated your efforts are.
Volunteers are the backbone of our community, and in a small, rural municipality such as ours, much of what goes on would simply be impossible without them. That’s not hyperbole; it’s a fact.”
“The Algonquin Highlands Recreation Committee has been incredibly busy with recent activities as well as planning a series of action items stemming from a survey the committee conducted last fall. We look forward to what 2024 has in store. The Stanhope Municipal Airport Advisory Committee is overseeing the triumphant return of events to the airport, hosting a marvelous Fall Fly-In last September. Members have been putting hours of meticulous planning into the Stanhope & Community Fly In to Spring event, which will take place at the
airport on Saturday, May 4, as well as fly-in events for the summer and fall.”
“Both the Dorset Heritage Museum and Stanhope Heritage Museum are curated and operated
by dedicated volunteer committees who work tirelessly to preserve local history and bring it to
life for visitors,” Danielsen says. “These completely volunteer-run institutions are vital cultural
assets, not just for the Township of Algonquin Highlands, but to the County of Haliburton as a whole.”
“And a huge thank you goes out to the members of Algonquin Highlands Fire Services,”
Danielsen continues. “Volunteer fire departments are crucial to community safety and well- being in small communities. Members regularly sacrifice their personal time in order to attend training and put their personal safety on the line in times of emergency. The volunteers of AHFS have our deep respect and appreciation.”
The Township of Algonquin Highlands will be hosting a volunteer appreciation reception later this year and will be sharing event details in the near future.
Minden Hills Fire Department, Smoke Alarms for Everyone S.A.F.E Program
SUBJECT: Minden Hills Fire Department, Smoke Alarms for Everyone S.A.F.E Program
Effective March 1, 2006, it is the law for all Ontario homes to have a working smoke alarm on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. This covers single families, semi-detached and town homes, whether owned-occupied or rented. We are most vulnerable to fire when we sleep, most fatal fires occur at night when people are sleeping. A working smoke alarm will detect smoke and sound to alert you. A working smoke alarm provides the protection required.
The objectives of the S.A.F.E program is to talk to community members about the importance of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their homes; regular maintenance of these alarms; as well as; home escape planning and being prepared for emergencies.
The S.A.F.E Program is a free service to allow firefighters into your residence for a voluntary fire inspection to ensure safety of you and your family.
Firefighters from Minden Hills have geared up for this program and with generous donations from community partners including Home Hardware Minden, this program is now underway. As a result, the Minden Hills Fire Department will be assisting you with installation and testing of your Smoke/CO Alarm while engaging in a Fire Safety conversation. During Fire Prevention Week and the Saved by the Beep Campaign Minden Hills Firefighters will be making house calls. Homeowners can phone the firehall or, coming soon, apply on the Township website for home alarm checks.
Simple smoke and carbon monoxide alarm tips:
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Install smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas of your home.
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Install carbon monoxide alarms outside all sleeping areas of your home. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly by pressing the test button. Change the batteries at least once per year.
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Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms DO NOT last forever, they usually last a maximum 10 years. Please see your manufacturer’s recommendations for guidance.
Simple steps for home fire escape planning include:
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Everyone should know two ways out of each room, if possible.
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All exits must be unobstructed and easy to use.
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Choose a meeting place outside, such as a tree or a lamppost, where everyone can be accounted for.
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Call the fire department from outside the home, from a cell phone or a neighbor’s home.
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Get out and stay out. Never re-enter a burning building.
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Practice your escape plan, so it can save your life.
For people who live in apartment buildings and need assistance to escape:
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Make sure you tell the superintendent or landlord if you need assistance.
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Know the emergency procedures outlined in the building’s fire safety plan.
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Contact Information:
Rob Thibert, Acting Fire Chief
Township of Minden Hills
PO Box 359, 7 Milne Street
Minden, ON K0M 2K0
rthibert@mindenhills.ca
Shore Road Allowances April 2024
Public Notice - Shore Road Allowances April 2024
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Corporation of the Township of Minden Hills proposes to consider by-laws to stop up, close, and convey those parcels of land more particularly described as follows:
- File No. PLSRA2021031: Part of the original shore road allowance along the shore of Davis Lake, lying in front of Canuck Trail located within Part Lot 10, Concession 2, Geographic Township of Lutterworth;
- File No. PLSRA2021032: Part of the original shore road allowance along the shore of Davis Lake, lying in front of Canuck Trail located within Part Lot 10, Concession 2, Geographic Township of Lutterworth;
- File No. PLSRA2022067: Part of the original shore road allowance along the shore of South Lake, lying in front of Capricorn Court located within Lot 4, Concession 14, Geographic Township of Snowdon; and
- File No. PLSRA2021065: Part of the original shore road allowance along the shore of Twelve Mile Lake, lying in front of Medley Trail located within Part Lot 9, Concession 11, Geographic Township of Minden;
The Council meeting to consider a by-law to stop up, close and convey the parcels listed above will be scheduled for April 25, 2024.
The above noted applications are available for inspection in the Building and Planning Department located at 7 Milne Street, Minden, Ontario by appointment only. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the undersigned.
AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE any person who claims that their land will be prejudicially affected is asked to contact the undersigned at their earliest convenience. If deemed advisable, By-laws giving effect to the proposed closure and conveyance will be passed by the Council for the Corporation of the Township of Minden Hills.
Media Release 24-30 Notice of Wastewater Treatment Plant Tertiary Bypassno title
SUBJECT: Notice of Wastewater Treatment Plant Tertiary Bypass
Please be advised that due to high flows caused by rain, the Minden Wastewater Treatment Plant began a tertiary sand filter bypass at approximately 8:30 AM on Friday April 12, 2024. All wastewater treated at the plant is still receiving primary and secondary treatment and disinfection prior to discharge. Sand filtering will resume as soon as possible.
Ontario Clean Water Agency will notify the local health authorities and will be completing sampling as per the Environmental Compliance Approval.
Residents are reminded that any water taken from a surface water source (such as a lake or river) must always be adequately treated to remove pathogens prior to using as a potable water source.
Updates regarding this bypass event will be posted on the Township website.
For more information, please visit www.mindenhills.ca for accurate updates.
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