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Get Ready for Radon Action Month
Posted on Friday, November 01, 2024 11:11 AM
Kingston – During Radon Action Month, KFL&A Public Health is encouraging residents to test their homes for radon.
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers, responsible for nearly 16 percent of lung cancer deaths in Ontario — approximately 850 fatalities annually. Radon is a colorless, odourless and tasteless radioactive gas that naturally occurs from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. The best time to test your home for radon is during the winter months when windows and...
First lab confirmed case of influenza A identified in the KFL&A region
Posted on Thursday, October 17, 2024 09:50 AM
KFL&A Public Health has received laboratory confirmation of the first case of influenza A for the 2024-2025 season. The risk of influenza transmission follows the pattern of disease activity in the community, which is currently low. Influenza activity typically increases over the fall months and peaks towards the holiday season.
The southern hemisphere, particularly Australia, had a moderately high influenza season, with more cases this year than last year. Rates were highest in 5- to...
First probable human case of West Nile Virus identified in the KFL&A region this year
Posted on Friday, August 16, 2024 01:32 PM
KFL&A Public Health is reminding residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites after the first probable case of West Nile Virus infection has been identified in a local resident. A crow has also tested positive for West Nile Virus in the local area.
West Nile Virus is an infection spread to humans usually through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus is typically spread by mosquitoes that feed on an infected bird.
Four out of five of people with West Nile Virus will experience no...
KFL&A Public Health warns of rise in local pertussis (whooping cough) cases
Posted on Friday, August 16, 2024 11:20 AM
KFL&A Public Health is urging parents and guardians to keep themselves and their children up to date with the pertussis vaccine after a recent rise in cases both locally in KFL&A and across the province.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a very contagious infection of the lungs and airways. It is spread easily from an infected person through droplets in the air from coughing and/or sneezing.
Pertussis is most dangerous for infants under the age of one. Many babies who are not yet...
Alarming Increase in Complex Drug Poisonings in the KFL&A Area
Posted on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 03:24 PM
Kingston —KFL&A Public Health is issuing an alert to warn residents about current concerning trends in drug-involved poisonings within the KFL&A region.
The Integrated Care Hub and Consumption and Treatment Services in Kingston have noted an increase in the number of clients experiencing extreme sedation and complex drug poisonings after consuming substances expected to be fentanyl. Signs of toxicity are happening very shortly after consumption. Limited response to naloxone has resulted in the...
Summer heat has arrived
Posted on Tuesday, June 04, 2024 04:31 PM
Kingston — Environment Canada has issued the first one day heat event for the city of Kingston and Frontenac and Lennox & Addington counties. The heat event is expected to begin Wednesday afternoon and end Thursday. High temperatures will reach 31 C to 32 C on Wednesday, and overnight lows will reach near 20 C early Thursday morning.
KFL&A Public Health reminds residents that a combination of heat and high humidity can be hazardous to your health. Conditions during high heat and humidity have the...
Alarming increase in drug poisonings in the KFL&A area
Posted on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 12:33 PM
Kingston — KFL&A Public Health is issuing an alert to warn residents about a recent rise in drug-involved poisonings within the KFL&A region.
Consumption and Treatment Services in Kingston is reporting a 30 per cent increase in apparent drug poisonings since April 27, 2024. Similar observations are being noted by other community partners who provide programs and services to people who use drugs.
While local data about the composition of the unregulated drug supply is not available, other Ontario...
KFL&A board of health votes in favour of voluntary merger
Posted on Thursday, March 28, 2024 08:39 AM
Today, the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington board of health voted in favour of the intent to merge with Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) and Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit (LGLDHU) to create the South East Health Unit.
In August 2023, the Ontario Ministry of Health offered one-time funding, resources and supports to local public health agencies that decided to merge voluntarily, with the intent that the mergers take effect Jan. 1, 2025.
In response to the...
Concerning increase in drug poisonings in the KFL&A area
Posted on Thursday, February 29, 2024 04:17 PM
KFL&A Public Health is issuing an alert to warn residents about a recent rise in drug-involved poisonings and associated symptoms within the KFL&A region.
Consumption and Treatment Services in Kingston is reporting a 50 per cent increase in apparent drug poisonings since February 24, 2024, along with an increase in clients experiencing very prolonged deep sedation and hallucinations. It has been reported that these drug poisonings are not responding well to naloxone. Similar observations are...
Increase in invasive meningococcal disease activity in the KFL&A area
Posted on Thursday, February 29, 2024 11:09 AM
KFL&A Public Health is issuing an advisory regarding an increase in invasive meningococcal disease (type B) activity in the KFL&A area. In recent months, the region has experienced three confirmed cases of this serious bacterial infection, with no identifiable link between them. This count is above the KFL&A region’s historical average.
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a rare, but potentially life-threatening bacterial infection. It can infect the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), and...
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