Updates from Ottawa Public Health (2024)

Ward 3 Office
Sep 26, 2024
9 min read

From Ottawa Public Health

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 2024)

September 30 marks the 4th annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR). First recognized in 2021, this day was established by the federal government to honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, the survivors, their families and communities. Coinciding with Orange Shirt Day, it is an opportunity to bring awareness to the painful legacy and ongoing impacts of the residential school system, and to collectively advocate for social justice and critical system changes.

Reconciliation - everyone’s responsibility

Leading up to the NDTR, all people of Canada are strongly encouraged to take the time to learn and reflect on the meaning of this day. It is a chance to ask what each one of us can do to promote Indigenous health, rights, and reconciliation (IHRR) – not just on September 30, but every day. It is also an opportunity for meaningful dialogue, to actively participate in Indigenous community events or learning activities, and to make a personal and professional commitment to learn the TRUTH so you can conscientiously ACT to advance IHRR.

Here are a few examples of activities that are easily available to assist you on your journey:

For those of you who like to READ:

· Review the 94 TRC Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Learn how UNDRIP can be applied in a municipal setting – e.g., UNDRIP: Guide for Municipalities.

· Ottawa Public Library – Check out a prepared list of recommended books and other resources to help you and your families learn more about residential schools and possible paths to reconciliation: Adults | Children.

· For those of you who wish to develop a deeper understanding of settler-colonialism and the actions that you can take to ‘untie colonial knots in the health system’, this article is recommended. Then ask yourself, “In my sphere of influence, how am I upholding or undermining IHRR?”

For those of you who prefer to WATCH:

· National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation – Join the daily Lunch and Learns from September 23 – 27.

· Aboriginal Peoples Television Network – APTN offers an interesting lineup of programs on September 30, which aim to both educate and inspire – e.g., Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2024.

· National Film Board (NFB) – Explore the many short documentaries included in the NFB’s Indigenous Cinema collection.

Or if you prefer a more EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING approach:

· National Arts Centre: Days for Truth & Reconciliation – Join one of the NAC’s all-age virtual and in-person offerings, highlighting the strength and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, their cultures, communities, and stories.

· Participate in an in-person or virtual gathering on Parliament Hill on September 30 that is hosted by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR).

· Explore the Reconciling History Walking Tour, a free, self-guided journey through downtown Ottawa.

· Canadian Museum of History – Attend an in-person event at the museum on Thursday, September 26 (1:00 – 2:30 pm) to hear community perspectives on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Click on this link to register.

· Learn about Indigenous issues from an Indigenous author at the Ottawa International Writer’s Festival - e.g., an evening with Tanya Talaga where she discusses her new book, The Knowing, a riveting exploration of her family’s story and a retelling of the history of the country we now call Canada. Click here for free tickets to this event that takes place on September 30 at 7 pm.

Ottawa Public Health Update - Stop Overdose Ottawa Alert (July 2024)

Stop Overdose Ottawa Alert System

Ottawa Public Health and Ottawa’s Overdose Prevention and Response Task Force continue to advance Ottawa's Overdose Response Strategy. Members of the public can now register to receive email alerts from the Stop Overdose Ottawa Alert System. You can sign up by visiting StopOverdoseOttawa.ca and simply clicking the “Subscribe to Drug Alerts” button at the bottom right corner of the page and fill out the form. A confirmation email will be sent to ensure any future alerts sent out through the new system are received.

Stop Overdose Ottawa Alerts are issued when Ottawa’s Overdose Prevention and Response Task Force becomes aware of issues related to toxic drugs circulating in the community. Examples include:

Increased risk of overdose
New drug toxicity risk, contaminates, etc.
Other new or noteworthy drug trends presenting in the local unregulated drug supply

West Nile Virus & Lyme Disease (Summer 2024)

West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease in Ottawa

When ticks and mosquitoes are active, they have the potential to spread infections to Ottawa area residents.

What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is an infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a bacteria transmitted through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), most commonly during the spring, summer and fall months. If a person finds a tick on their body, they should remove it as soon as possible. The risk of Lyme disease increases the longer the tick is attached. Because blacklegged ticks in Ottawa are known to carry this bacteria, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) recommends that, if a person finds a tick on their body that has been attached more than 24 hours, they speak to a healthcare provider or pharmacist. The healthcare provider or pharmacist will provide recommendations on what to do, which may include monitoring for symptoms for the next 32 days and, if appropriate, taking post-exposure prophylaxis (antibiotics). Early signs of Lyme disease occur three to 32 days following a tick bite. This may include an expanding, circular rash, which may look like a “bull’s eye,” but is not present in all cases. Other symptoms can include fatigue (tiredness), fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle and joint pain. If untreated, the infection can cause additional rashes on other areas of the body, fatigue, weakness, and may harm the heart, liver, nerves and joints.

What is West Nile virus?

West Nile virus (WNV) is a disease primarily spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes, especially the Culex type, can become infected after biting a bird with the virus which can then spread the virus to humans by a bite. It can take between three and 14 days before symptoms occur after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Most people infected with WNV will remain asymptomatic, but approximately 20% will develop symptoms of usually mild (through to sometimes debilitating) febrile illness, which may include headache, fatigue, body aches, rash, nausea and vomiting. Less than 1% of those infected may develop severe neurological illness. In Ontario, locally acquired WNV occurs in the summer months, with the majority of cases occurring in August and September.

What is OPH’s Role?

OPH works to prevent Lyme disease and West Nile virus through a variety of measures, including:

· OPH investigates every report of a person being infected with WNV to identify the likely source of infection and, where appropriate, takes action to minimize further risk to the population.

· OPH conducts epidemiological surveillance of reported infections of Lyme disease and WNV to identify trends and populations at risk.

· OPH in partnership with University of Ottawa researchers, conducts surveillance of tick populations to assess for spread and the presence of the bacteria or virus that causes Lyme and other public health relevant diseases spread through ticks.

· OPH conducts surveillance and management of mosquito populations through its West Nile Virus Prevention Program.

· OPH provides information to healthcare providers to aid in clinical diagnosis.

· OPH also conducts public education on tick and mosquito bite prevention.

OPH contracts services to:

· Apply Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks approved and environmentally-friendly biological larvicides (Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis – Bti or Bacillus sphaericus) or chemical larvicide (methoprene) to treat for mosquito larvae.

Altosid pellets (methoprene), Vectolex pouches (Bacillus sphaericus) or Altosid briquettes (methoprene) placed into catch basins of storm drains in the city.
Vectobac (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, liquid) or My-Crobe (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, liquid) and Vectobac (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, granular) or My-Crobe (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, granular), applied to ditches and temporary or permanent pools including storm water management ponds within the city if found to contain Culex pipiens/restuans larvae.
Vectolex (Bacillus sphaericus, granular) applied to sewage lagoons or similar facilities if found to contain Culex pipiens/restuans larvae.

· If necessary, conduct mosquito control using adulticide (malathion), based on assessment of increased transmission and risk. No adulticide treatment has been used to date in the history of OPH’s West Nile Virus Prevention Program.

How can individuals protect themselves from these infections?

· Apply a Health Canada approved insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin to exposed skin and clothing

· Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes, and socks to cover exposed skin

· Tuck your pants into your socks

· Wear light-coloured clothing to spot ticks more easily; this is also appropriate for mosquitoes as they are attracted to darker colours

· Stay on the trails when hiking in the woods and other natural areas. Enjoy mowed and maintained areas in parks and playing fields but be mindful of the borders adjacent to natural areas and tall grass that may be suitable tick habitat

· For ticks, do a "full body" check on yourself, your children, and pets. Pay careful attention around your toes, back of the knees, groin, armpits and scalp

· For mosquitoes, avoid being outside during dusk and dawn - periods when they are most active - and at any time in shady, wooded areas – remembering to use repellent and protective clothing if you must be out during these periods

· Make sure all windows and doors in your home have well-fitting screens that are in good condition to prevent mosquitoes from entering

· Mosquitoes need water to breed. Decrease mosquito numbers around personal property by reducing or eliminating areas or objects that can accumulate or retain water (e.g., old tires, garbage or recycle containers, flowerpots, toys, bird feeders, ornamental ponds, pool covers, etc.). Empty and refill them regularly, turn them over when appropriate, or dispose of them accordingly.

For more information about West Nile virus and Lyme disease, visit the OPH website at Insects, Animals and Bites - Ottawa Public Health.

Respiratory Virus Season (Winter 2024)

An Update from Ottawa Public Health on the Respiratory Virus Season 

The levels of COVID-19 circulating in our community are high and similar to last week. Influenza activity in Ottawa is high and decreasing since last week. RSV activity is moderate and similar to last week. 

Ottawa Public Health wants to remind individuals, especially people at higher risk, to prioritize their health by taking proactive measures and making informed choices. 

Vaccination continues to be one of the best ways for people to help protect themselves against severe outcomes from COVID-19 and flu, including hospitalization. It’s not too late to get these important vaccines to help protect yourself and your family. Residents can get their vaccines at their local pharmacy. Please contact your local pharmacy, regular health care provider or visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca for vaccine appointment bookings. 

Your actions matter – every action taken to reduce the spread of viruses helps. By doing your part to protect you and your loved ones from respiratory illness, you're also reducing the pressure on our local hospitals. 

Stay up to date on your vaccines – including your updated COVID-19 vaccine and annual flu vaccine. 
Stay home when sick – stay home until you are fever-free (without the use of fever-reducing medications) AND your symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (48 hours for vomiting/diarrhea). 
Do not visit loved ones in hospital, long term care or retirement homes when you have symptoms. 
Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. 
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. 
Disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home and workplace. 
Wear a mask – wear a mask to protect yourself from respiratory viruses, to protect others at high risk, and when recovering from illness.

Visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/RespVirus for more information on reducing the spread, vaccines, and what to do if you’re sick – including where to get treatment (like Paxlovid) for COVID-19. 

Please consider sharing the following social media posts with your networks:

Facebook EN: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/4rURXNxLR6Hob1yq/

Facebook FR : https://www.facebook.com/share/p/s9XX3mFBCewdgTG8/

X (Twitter) EN : https://twitter.com/OttawaHealth/status/1748019773512855681

X (Twitter) FR : https://twitter.com/OttawaSante/status/1748020220319388057

Instagram (bilingual): https://www.instagram.com/p/C2P6W-3g7pN/?hl=en&img_index=1

PSA - Increase in reports of pertussis (whooping cough) (July 31, 2024)

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is reminding parents and caregivers to ensure their children and youth are up to date on their routine vaccines, as we approach the school year and in light of an increase in reports of pertussis (whooping cough) in Ontario and locally. Locally, OPH has received reports of 32 people with confirmed or probable pertussis in Ottawa. Vaccination remains the most effective defense against pertussis and other vaccine preventable diseases that used to be common in childhood.

You can find the public service announcement at the links below: