News

Public Health is encouraging all residents to know their measles vaccine status

South East Health Unit (SEHU) is encouraging residents to know their measles vaccine status and be aware of measles symptoms.

Ontario is currently experiencing a multi-jurisdictional measles outbreak that has included cases from New Brunswick and Manitoba. As of Feb. 26, 2025, 177 cases of measles have been reported (127 confirmed, 50 probable) in Ontario associated with this outbreak. Outbreak cases have been reported in four public health units: Southwestern Public Health, Grey Bruce Health...

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Eastern Ontario public health units address growing crisis of food insecurity

EASTERN ONTARIO - Public health units across eastern Ontario are collaborating to raise awareness about the growing problem of food insecurity, which is having a profound impact on individuals and families in the region. Food insecurity is the inadequate or insecure access to food due to financial constraints. This issue not only threatens the physical and mental health of both adults and children, but also places increased pressure on health-care services.

Food insecurity is a widespread issue...

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Introducing the South East Health Unit

Yesterday, the South East Health Unit Board of Health met for the first time, officially launching the merged public health agency made up of Hastings Prince Edward Public Health; Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health; and the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit.

The newly formed Board passed the necessary bylaws for the South East Health Unit to function and elected Jan O’Neill, Hastings County Mayor, as Board Chair; and Judy Greenwood-Speers, County of Frontenac...

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South East Health Unit

As of Jan. 1, 2025 Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health and Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit will merge to form the South East Health Unit.

Efforts are underway to develop branding for the South East Health Unit, which will take several months. In the meantime, you will see logos and other advertising material with Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington branding. You may also see some documents using the legal name...

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KFL&A Board of Health votes in favour of a merger

Kingston – Today, the Board of Health for Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Public Health (KFLAPH) voted to merge with Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) and Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit (LGLDHU) to form South East Public Health. 

The boards for HPEPH and LGLDHU will meet Wednesday and Thursday respectively to hold their votes. If all three boards vote in favour, and once the legislative process is complete, South East Public Health will come into being on Jan...

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Get Ready for Radon Action Month

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...

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First lab confirmed case of influenza A identified in the KFL&A region

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...

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First probable human case of West Nile Virus identified in the KFL&A region this year

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...

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KFL&A Public Health warns of rise in local pertussis (whooping cough) cases

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...

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Alarming Increase in Complex Drug Poisonings in the KFL&A Area

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...

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