News

Alarming increase in drug poisonings in the KFL&A area

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...

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KFL&A board of health votes in favour of voluntary merger

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...

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Concerning increase in drug poisonings in the KFL&A area

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...

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Increase in invasive meningococcal disease activity in the KFL&A area

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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KFL&A Public Health reminds residents to ensure up-to-date measles immunizations

KFL&A Public Health is encouraging all residents to ensure they are up-to-date on their measles immunizations, following an increase in measles cases globally.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection with symptoms including red rash, fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and fatigue. It spreads through the air and close contact, such as breathing, coughing or sneezing. Vaccines are highly effective in preventing the spread of measles.

“Most people in the KFL&A region are immune to measles as...

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KFL&A Public Health releases the Cost of Eating Healthy report

KFL&A Public Health announces the release of the 2023 Cost of Eating Healthy report. KFL&A Public Health monitors local food affordability and found that in 2023, the cost to eat healthy for a family of four (two adults, two children) in the KFL&A region was approximately $1,207 per month.

“Our findings consistently highlight the challenges faced by low-income households, to balance the costs of rent, healthy food, and managing other essential living expenses,” said Rachael Mather, public health...

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Avian influenza confirmed in wild birds in Kingston

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, has been confirmed in deceased Canada geese that were found along the Lake Ontario Park waterfront. Avian influenza infects wild birds such as geese, ducks, and shore birds, and can infect domestic poultry.

The risk of transmission to humans is low as the virus does not typically pass from birds to humans. All residents are reminded to avoid contact with sick or dead wild or domestic birds.

Protect yourself, your pets, and domestic birds:

• Do not handle or...

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Rise in drug poisonings in the KFL&A area - February 2, 2024

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 15 per cent increase in apparent drug poisonings over the past week, along with an increase in clients experiencing very prolonged deep sedation and hallucinations. Additional community partner data supports a concerning increase in apparent drug poisonings this week.

These...

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Local health units remind you to protect yourself and others from respiratory illnesses this season

Kingston - This time of year is well known for holiday parties and gatherings to celebrate the season. These gatherings are important to foster a sense of belonging, improve our mental health and bring our community closer. Respiratory viruses can spread easily when people gather (especially over holidays and in winter months). Respiratory illnesses can have a significant impact on overall well-being. We urge individuals and communities to consider ways to reduce the spread of respiratory...

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Local Boards of Health give support to investigate a merger with neighbouring public health agencies

Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) Board of Health, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District (LGLD) Board of Health, and the Hastings Prince Edward (HPE) Board of Health endorsed investigating the feasibility of a potential merger between these local public health agencies (LPHAs).

This consideration has been brought forward in response to the Ontario Ministry of Health’s announcement in August 2023 to strengthen the public health sector. This announcement also included one-time...

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