Infections

Avian Influenza

Avian Influenza, commonly known as “bird flu” is an infectious disease of birds caused by type A influenza viruses. Sometimes it doesn’t make the bird sick. However, the influenza A virus is highly contagious, and wild birds can spread the virus through contaminated saliva, nasal secretions and feces. There are two types of avian influenza:

Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI)
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

Most avian influenza viruses are low pathogenic. These typically cause little or no signs of illness in infected birds.

However, highly pathogenic viruses can cause severe illness and death in birds.

Avian influenza can also infect wild and domestic mammals, especially those who hunt, scavenge, or eat infected birds. Foxes, mink, bears and seals, as well as dogs and cats, are some mammals that have been infected with avian influenza.

Avian Influenza in Humans

What is the risk to humans?

The risk of transmission of HPAI to humans from wild birds and other wildlife is low. The risk is raised for people working with infected poultry, livestock, and other animals. Avian influenza is caused by different virus subtypes than seasonal influenza in humans. The current strains of Avian influenza A (H5N1) circulating in the world have only rarely led to human infection. Human-to-human transmission is even more rare.

Individuals having unprotected direct contact with infected poultry, livestock, and other animals or surfaces heavily contaminated with avian influenza virus should self-monitor for symptoms of avian influenza for 10 days after their last exposure to the infected poultry, livestock, and other animals or contaminated environmental surfaces.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of avian influenza are similar to those of seasonal influenza and may include:

If symptoms develop and you have been exposed to an infected bird or poultry operation:

Contact your health care provider for assessment and testing
Isolate away from others

Prevention

Rarely, avian influenza spreads to humans. Most human cases have occurred after close contact with infected sick or dead poultry, or after exposure to heavily contaminated environments (e.g., poultry barns or live bird markets).

While the likelihood of becoming infected with avian influenza virus is low, individuals should still be cautious when handling infected wild birds or other wildlife, because avian influenza has the potential to cause severe disease in people.

If you find a dead bird on your property, report it to the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre at 1-866-673-4781.

Take precautions:

Avoid handling sick or dead wild birds or other wildlife, as they may be infected with diseases that can spread to humans.
- Pets should also be kept away from sick or dead wildlife.
If handling sick or dead wild birds or other wildlife is unavoidable, wear gloves or use a doubled plastic bag and avoid contact with blood, body fluids and feces.
- Clean your hands after handling the sick or dead wildlife.
Do not handle or eat birds or mammals that appear to be sick or that have died from unknown causes.
When handling or cleaning wild game birds or other wildlife:
- Always work in a well-ventilated environment
- Avoid direct contact with blood, feces and respiratory secretions
- Do not eat, drink or smoke and do not touch your eyes or face while handling wildlife
- Wear nitrile or rubber gloves
- Wash hands with soap and warm water immediately after you have finished
- Keep children and pets away from materials and area that could be contaminated
- After you are done, clean all work surfaces and tools with hot, soapy water and then use a household disinfectant (e.g., 5 teaspoons (25mL) of household bleach in 2L of water)
- Remove and wash all clothing and footwear that may be contaminated with blood, feces or respiratory secretions, including gloves if they are re-usable
If you own domestic birds or poultry, review Public Health Ontario’s Evidence Brief: Reducing Health Risks Associated with Backyard Chickens and follow the recommendations
Do not eat unpasteurized dairy products
Cook all food including eggs to at least 74°C (165°F)
Keep raw meat, organs, and eggs separate from other food products to avoid cross contamination
Wash your hands often, including before and after handling raw foods
Thoroughly clean kitchen utensils and work surfaces with hot, soapy water and then using a household disinfectant (e.g., 5 teaspoons (25mL) of household bleach in 2L of water)

Resources

Government of Ontario:

Government of Canada:

Other:

Group A Streptococcus

What is Group A Streptococcus?

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a bacterium found in the nose, throat, and on the skin of healthy people. When people have GAS but do not have any symptoms, they are referred to as carriers. GAS can cause a mild illness with symptoms such as a sore throat (commonly known as “strep throat”), scarlet fever, and impetigo or other skin infections, or a more serious illness due to invasive infections.

What is invasive GAS (iGAS)?

GAS infection is considered invasive when it is found in places in the body that are normally sterile, such as blood, the fluid surrounding the brain, or in the linings of the muscles or joints. It is also considered invasive if it causes the following severe infections:

Necrotizing fasciitis, also known as “flesh-eating disease” (destruction of skin and fat tissue)
Myositis (destruction of muscle tissue)
Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes covering the brain)
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), a life-threatening condition that causes low blood pressure and failure of multiple organs

Symptoms

Early symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis and myositis include fever, severe localized pain, and in some cases, redness and swelling. Redness may spread quickly, up to 3 cm (1 inch) per hour.
Early symptoms of meningitis include headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to bright lights, vomiting, and confusion.
Early symptoms of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome include rapid onset of generalized or localized severe pain, dizziness, influenza-like symptoms, confusion, and sometimes, rash.

Treatment

All confirmed GAS infections are treated with antibiotics (Note: most sore throats are caused by viruses, not GAS, and do not require antibiotics). In cases of iGAS, early medical treatment is critical to reduce the risk of complications and death.

Prevention

To prevent the spread of GAS infection, it is recommended that you:

Wash your hands well, especially after coughing and sneezing, before preparing food, before eating, and before and after cleaning or handling a cut or wound
Keep all wounds clean and observe for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, drainage, or pain at the wound site; see your health care provider immediately if the wound looks infected, especially if a fever develops
Stay at home for at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment for strep throat or impetigo
Keep up to date with vaccinations against viral illnesses, including chickenpox, Covid-19, and influenza, that would increase the risk of GAS infection

Additional Information

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Hepatitis B is a virus that can affect the liver. The virus can cause an acute infection, which may develop into a chronic infection over time. The age at which someone is exposed to the virus plays a major role in determining whether the infection will resolve or become chronic.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

gradual loss of appetite
nausea and vomiting, and/or abdominal discomfort
gradual progression to jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for Hepatitis B, however a person who is not vaccinated and is exposed to blood or bodily fluids that contain Hepatitis B virus may be recommended to receive Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (which contains antibodies) and Hepatitis B vaccine to protect them from contracting Hepatitis B infection.

Prevention

The best way to protect yourself against Hepatitis B is to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine. The vaccine is given to children in grade 7 as part of the school immunization program, as well as to individuals of all ages who are considered high risk. Two doses of the vaccine are given at 4 and 6 month intervals. Babies whose mothers are carriers of Hepatitis B virus will be vaccinated as well with a series of three doses starting at birth, then at 1 and 6 month intervals. If you are unsure of your immunization status, contact your health care provider.

Additional information

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Hepatitis C is an infection in the liver caused by the Hepatitis C virus. Over time, the virus causes liver injury and scarring and can make you very sick.

Symptoms

Many people who are living with Hepatitis C may have no symptoms or only mild symptoms. People can be living with the infection for years before symptoms develop. For those who do develop symptoms of an acute infection, symptoms can include:

Fatigue
Nausea/vomiting
Dark urine/pale stools
Loss of appetite
Flu-like symptoms
Pain or tenderness on the right side of the abdomen
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin/and or the whites of the eyes)

Symptoms of a chronic infection can include:

Abdominal pain
Blood in stool or vomit
Fluid build up (in the abdomen)
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Treatment

Treatment for Hepatitis C comes in pill form, has few side effects, and is usually taken for eight or twelve weeks. There is no vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C infection, and no one is immune to Hepatitis C.

Prevention

The best way to protect yourself against Hepatitis C is to avoid sharing personal care items that may have traces of blood on them, such as razors, nail clippers, and toothbrushes.

Additional information

Influenza (flu)

Influenza is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. Influenza is different from a cold.

Symptoms

Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection. Symptoms include but are not limited to:

Infections in children may also be associated with some gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, while the elderly may not experience a fever but may present with worsening of underlying conditions.

Treatment

Antiviral medications may be prescribed by a health care provider.

Prevention

The most effective way to protect yourself from influenza is to be vaccinated each year in the fall. Regular hand washing is another way to minimize your risk. It is important to stay home if you are ill to limit the exposure to others, especially those at high risk of complications.

Additional information

Measles

Measles, also called red measles, is a very contagious infection that is caused by the measles virus. Measles can cause serious health complications, including hospitalization, pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, and, rarely, death. It is usually more severe in infants and adults than in children.

Measles is spread when a person comes in contact with an infected person. It is spread through droplets from the nose, mouth or throat when an infected person is coughing, sneezing or talking. Measles is one of the most highly communicable diseases in the world.

Symptoms

Symptoms of measles may develop 7 to 21 days after exposure to an infected person.

Symptoms include:
• High fever
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Drowsiness
• Irritability
• Red eyes
• Small white spots may appear in the mouth and throat
• A red blotchy rash begins to appear on the face 3 to 7 days after the start of symptoms, then spreads down the body to the arms and legs. This rash usually lasts 4 to 7 days.

Symptoms generally last from 1 to 2 weeks.

What should I do if I develop symptoms of measles or if I was exposed to someone with measles?

If you develop symptoms of measles:

You should be assessed by a physician, and notify the health care facility that you plan to visit so that they are aware of your symptoms prior to your arrival. You should also wear a medical grade mask to the appointment. In the meantime, stay at home to avoid potentially exposing other people.

Measles is diagnosed by a blood test, a urine sample, a nasopharyngeal swab, and a throat swab.
If you are having a medical emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Advise them of your symptoms and if you were exposed to measles. If possible, wear a medical grade mask.

If you were exposed to someone with measles:
Depending on the situation, your vaccination history, and other risk factors, a public health official may advise you of the need to stay home from work or school, get tested, get preventive treatment or get vaccinated.

Prevention

Immunization for children and youth
The best way you can protect yourself and others against measles is by getting the measles vaccine. This vaccine is combined with the vaccine for mumps and rubella and is known as the MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine can also be combined with the varicella vaccine (MMR-V) for some individuals. MMR and MMR-V are very safe vaccines and very effective against measles. Two doses of measles vaccination is 97% effective at preventing infection.

Infants
Infants 6 to 11 months of age should get a dose if they are travelling to an area with increased measles activity.
Two additional doses of measles-containing vaccine must be administered after the child is 12 months old to ensure long lasting immunity to measles.

Children
Children should get two doses of the measles vaccine – a dose of MMR vaccine at 1 year of age and a dose of MMRV vaccine between 4 and 6 years of age (preferably prior to school entry).

Immunization for adults
The best way you can protect yourself and others against measles is by getting the measles vaccine. This vaccine is combined with the vaccine for mumps and rubella and is known as the MMR vaccine. MMR vaccine is very safe and very effective against measles.

Adults born in or after 1970 can receive 2 doses of MMR vaccine. This is particularly important for certain groups, including:
• healthcare workers
• chid care workers
• school staff
• post-secondary students or staff
• military members
• those travelling to areas with increased measles activity

Adults born before 1970 are usually protected due to childhood measles infection. However, some remain susceptible and can be immunized with one dose if they are unsure if they had measles or the vaccine. A second dose of MMR vaccine is recommended regardless of birth year for the following groups:
• health care workers
• post-secondary students
• individuals planning to travel to areas with increased measles activity
• individuals for whom a second dose is recommended based on a healthcare providers clinical judgement

How can I locate my immunization records?
It is important to have an up to date copy of your immunization records. If you have missing or incomplete records, use these tips for locating your immunization records.

Individuals may be able to access their records using the Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) tool.

How can I update my immunization records?
It is important to have an up to date copy of your immunization records. If you have missing or incomplete records, use these tips for locating your immunization records.

Individuals may be able to access their records using the Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) tool.

How can I update my immunization records?
You can submit and update your immunization records online using the Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) tool.

ICON is a secure online system for submitting, updating, viewing, and printing your or your child’s immunization information to RCDHU.
How to use ICON:
You will need to create an account and set a PIN for you or your child. To create an account and set a PIN, you will need the following information:
Ontario Health Card AND Postal Code (these must be on file with RCDHU)

Ontario Immunization ID (OIID): To obtain the OIID and get assistance setting your PIN, call Renfrew County and District Health Unit at 613-732-9436 or 1-833-773-0004.

Important: When submitting records on ICON, please upload a picture of the record so we can verify that the correct vaccine is entered.
Other ways to update your record:

If you choose to share immunization records through email, fax, mail, or in person, the following form must be completed – Immunization Program Questionnaire and attached to a copy of the immunization records submitted.

To submit immunization records, you can:
• Email a digital copy of the Immunization record to immunization@rcdhu.com
• Fax a copy of the immunization record to 613-735-3067, ATTN to: Clinical Services – Immunization Records
• Mail a copy of the immunization record to: Renfrew County and District Health Unit, 141 Lake St. Pembroke, ON. K8A 5L8

Please note that mailing can take more time and delay the reviewing and updating of the file in the provincial database system.

Additional Information

RCDHU: Immunization Clinics
Ministry of Health Ontario: About Measles
Government of Canada: Measles: Symptoms and treatment
Canadian Pediatric Society: Measles

Meningitis

Meningitis is the inflammation of the lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and sometimes fungi.

Symptoms

Meningitis usually has a very sudden onset, with symptoms that include high fever, severe headache, vomiting, confusion, seizures, progressive lethargy, drowsiness, stiff neck, and skin rash which may be on the hands and feet depending on the causative agent.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the causative agent.

Prevention

Handwashing, good respiratory hygiene, and avoidance of sharing items such as drinking glasses, straws, and utensils are all ways of preventing the spread of infection.

Additional information

Meningococcal disease

Clinical illness associated with invasive meningococcal disease usually presents as meningitis. Invasive disease may progress rapidly to shock and death.

Symptoms

Meningococcal meningitis presents as sudden onset of fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea and often vomiting, photophobia, and an altered mental state. In infants, symptoms include fever, irritability, difficulty waking, difficulty feeding, vomiting, stiff neck, and bulging fontanelle.

Treatment

Treatment with antibiotics as soon as possible is most effective.

Prevention

Meningococcal vaccines are part of the routine vaccination schedule for children. Healthcare providers may also recommend vaccination if you are at high risk for meningococcal disease because of:

underlying medical conditions
risk of exposure due to travel
risk of exposure due to a high risk occupation (research, clinical work, industrial work, laboratory work)
close contact with someone who has invasive meningococcal disease

Handwashing, good respiratory hygiene, and avoidance of sharing items such as drinking glasses, straws, and utensils are all ways of preventing the spread of infection.

Additional information

Mumps

Mumps is a viral infection of the salivary glands. Although most people fully recover from mumps within 7 to 10 days, in rare cases the virus may cause complications. These include deafness, meningitis, or infections of the testicles or ovaries.

Symptoms

The main symptom of mumps is painful swelling of the cheeks and neck. Symptoms can also include:

Treatment

Because mumps is caused by a virus, antibiotics cannot treat the infection. Since the illness is mild, healthcare providers usually let it run its course.

Prevention

The most important way to prevent mumps is to make sure that you and your family members are vaccinated. The mumps vaccine is part of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) or measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine. The vaccine is given to children between 12 and 15 months of age and again at 18 months of age, or any time before a child starts school.

Sick children and adults should stay home from school and work for at least 5 days after the swelling starts. To help stop the spread of mumps they should also:

Avoid close contact with other household members (such as kissing or hugging)
Avoid sharing drinking glasses or utensils
Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or their forearm
Wash their hands often

Additional Information

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Pertussis (whooping cough) is a contagious infection of the lungs and airways. It is caused by bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. The infection is divided into 3 stages:

Catarrhal stage: mild, occasional cough that can last 1-2 weeks.
Paroxysmal stage: repeated violent coughs, followed by a high pitched inspiratory ‘whoop’ may occur and is commonly followed by vomiting. This stage can last for 1-2 months
Convalescent stage: gradual recovery period where cough becomes less paroxysmal and eventually disappears. This stage can last weeks to months.

Symptoms

The first symptoms of pertussis may show up 7-10 days after being infected with the bacteria but could appear up to 28 days after infection. Pertussis starts with a mild fever, runny nose, red watery eyes, and a cough. It leads to serious coughing fits that can last for 2-8 weeks. The coughing fits may cause difficulty breathing, choking, and vomiting.

Treatment

Pertussis is usually treated with antibiotics.

Prevention

The most important way to prevent pertussis is to receive the pertussis vaccine. A child under 6 years old needs 5 doses of the pertussis vaccine, starting at 2 months of age. Protection from the vaccine fades over time, so it’s important to get a booster dose. Sick children and adults should stay home from school and work until they have taken antibiotics for 5 days, or if not taking antibiotics, until 21 days after the onset of cough.

Additional information

Rabies

Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that affects the brain. It is spread between warm-blooded animals and could be spread to humans from an infected animal through a bite or other contact with the animal’s saliva. Rabies is a very serious disease; if an infected person is not treated, rabies is almost always fatal.

In Ontario, rabies is most commonly found in bats, raccoons, foxes, coyotes and skunks. Domestic animals, including dogs, cats, ferrets and rabbits can also carry the virus so pet vaccination is important.

For more information visit: Rabies in Ontario

Symptoms

Symptoms usually appear three to eight weeks after the bite, but they can appear as soon as nine days afterwards. Rabies is usually fatal unless treatment starts before symptoms appear. Symptoms usually begin with:

Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Headache
General weakness or discomfort

As rabies progresses, more symptoms appear and may include:

Insomnia – trouble sleeping
Anxiety
Confusion
Partial paralysis
Excitation and hallucinations
Agitation
Hypersalivation – increase in saliva
Trouble swallowing
Hydrophobia – fear of water or unable to drink

Death usually occurs within days of the start of these symptoms.

Prevention

Protect yourself, children and pets from animal bites:

There are dozens of preventable animal bites each year in Renfrew County and District. Always use caution around animals:

Do not approach a dog with a Yellow Ribbon or collar – give them space
Do not pet wild animals, stray cats and dogs
Always keep your dogs on a leash while outdoors unless in designated dog parks
Know the local by-laws on animal control and licensing
It is a legal requirement in Ontario to vaccinate your pets (cats/dogs/ferrets) with rabies vaccine
If there is a bat in your home:
- Do not attempt to touch the bat as there is risk of a bite or scratch
- Keep the door closed with an open window and the room lights ON to let the bat escape to the outside
- If the bat does not leave, contact your local municipal animal control or a pest management company to capture and release the bat
- If you or someone else wakes up to find a bat in the room (dead or alive), immediately call your health care provider or RCDHU to speak with a public health inspector for an assessment.
Rabies is a 100% fatal disease when not treated early enough

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal:

If you are a victim of an animal bite, follow the below steps:

Clean your wound immediately with soap and running water for 15 minutes
Gather the pet owner’s contact information, if possible
Try and remember what the animal looks like
Visit your local hospital or speak to a health care provider to discuss treatment
Inform RCDHU of the incident and follow the instructions given to you by a Public Health Inspector.

Animal bite incidents must be reported to RCDHU immediately using the Contact with Suspected Rabid Animal Reporting Form. Call 613-732-3629 ext 505 or email environmentalhealth@rcdhu.com to speak to a Public Health Inspector.

If you are the owner of an animal involved in a biting or scratching incident:

Provide your name, address and phone number to the person who was bitten or scratched. Your information will help Public Health Inspectors investigate the animal scratch/bite when it is reported to RCDHU. This will also help to avoid unnecessary rabies treatment for the person who was scratched/bitten.
Follow RCDHU’s instructions on 10-day animal confinement. Animal confinement can take place at home or a kennel.
Public Health Inspectors will release the dog after 10 days if the animal is alive and appears healthy.
Release of the animal from confinement indicates that the animal was NOT infected with rabies at the time of the incident.
Keep your dogs, cats, ferrets and livestock up-to-date with rabies vaccine.

Preventing Human Cases of Rabies

RCDHU works to prevent human cases of rabies through the following activities:

Public Health Inspectors investigate animal bites and scratches that are reported to RCDHU. The owner has to put the suspect animal into quarantine. This is necessary to ensure that the rabies virus was not present in the saliva of the animal when the person was bitten or scratched. The animal is checked at the end of the quarantine period to make sure it is free of rabies symptoms.
Monitoring the type, number and location of animals that have tested positive for rabies in Renfrew County and District and surrounding areas
Having a Rabies Contingency Plan and keeping it up to date
Investigating when people are exposed to animals suspected of having rabies
Having a supply of rabies vaccine
Consulting with doctors in deciding when there is a need to give the vaccine to a person who has been exposed to an animal suspected of having rabies

If you have questions or are looking for additional information regarding rabies, please contact RCDHU’s Healthy Environments department by phone: 613-732-3629 ext. 505 or by email: environmentalhealth@rcdhu.com.

Yellow Ribbon Campaign – Animal Bite Awareness

Yellow is the colour of caution on traffic lights, and is now a warning sign to give space to dogs and other animals that need it.

RCDHU is encouraging the use of a yellow ribbon (or bandana, bow, or similar marker) tied to a dog’s leash or collar to remind people to give the animal space. This is part of RCDHU’s rabies awareness campaign to reduce the number of reported animal bites in the region.

Yellow = CAUTION. If you see yellow on a pet, give the animal space!

For more information, please visit Yellow Ribbon Campaign – Animal Bite Awareness.

Rubella (German measles)

Rubella is an infection caused by a virus that affects the skin and lymph nodes. Rubella is serious in pregnant women because of the effect it can have on an unborn child.

Symptoms

Some people who are infected with rubella will not show any symptoms. For others, symptoms usually develop 14-17 days after exposure. Sometimes it takes up to 21 days for the symptoms to appear. In children, symptoms can include:

Rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body (lasts about 3 days)
Low grade fever
Nausea
Inflammation of the lining of the eye (conjunctivitis)

In older children and adults, symptoms can also include:

Swollen glands behind the ears and neck
Cold-like symptoms before the rash appears
Aching joints

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for rubella. Since it is caused by a virus rather than bacteria, antibiotics cannot treat the infection. Because the illness is mild, health care providers usually let it run its course.

Prevention

Rubella can be prevented through immunization. It is recommended that children be given a first dose of a combined vaccine at 12-15 months of age. The combined vaccine is with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) or measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV). A second dose is given at 18 months of age or at 4-6 years of age.

Sick children and adults should stay home from school and work until 4 days after the rash appears. To help stop the spread of rubella, they should also:

Avoid close contact with other household members (such as kissing and hugging)
Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or their forearm
Wash their hands often

Additional information

Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases

Ticks, especially the blacklegged tick (also called a deer tick), are small and hard to see. Ticks are most often found in wooded, shrubby, long-grassed, or leaf-littered areas providing shade and humidity and the strip immediately bordering such areas. Ticks are most active in spring and summer but can be found at any time of the year when the temperature is above freezing (0°C). Ticks do not fly but can crawl onto a person or animal when coming into contact with them.

Some tick-borne diseases are spread to humans from the bite of an infected black-legged tick (deer tick). While the most common tick-borne disease is Lyme disease, other less common diseases can include anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Powassan virus. It is important to be aware of ticks and the diseases they may carry.

Prevention

You can prevent tick bites when outdoors by:

Wearing light-coloured clothing
Wearing closed footwear and socks, with long sleeve shirts tucked into your pants, and your pants tucked into your socks
Using an insect repellant with DEET or icaridin according to label directions
When possible, stay on the trails during hiking in the woods or walking in long grass.
Doing tick checks on yourself and your children after being outside
Shower after outdoor activity and perform a “full body” check on self, children, and pets if applicable for ticks. Ticks often attach in areas such as between toes, behind knees, in the bellybutton, in the groin, armpits and scalp.
Kill any ticks that might be on your clothing by putting your clothes in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes before washing them.
Maintain your property by keeping grass short and trim branches and bushes, removing leaf litter.
Move children’s swing sets, playground equipment and sandboxes away from wooded areas.

To learn more about ticks and how to avoid tick bites check out the Government of Ontario website.

Tick Submission (passive surveillance)

If you find a tick on your body, bring it to Renfrew County and District Health Unit as we will send it off for tick identification at the Public Health Ontario Laboratory. Please note, RCDHU does not accept ticks found on animals.

You can also use these other services for tick identification:

Geneticks Statistics Center – Tick testing service, interactive tick maps and statistics
eTick – A public platform for image based identification and population monitoring of ticks in Canada

Tick Dragging (active surveillance)

Renfrew County and District Health Unit staff regularly conduct tick dragging to monitor tick populations and to test for Lyme disease. Tick dragging occurs in the spring (May) and will continue in the fall (October) if ticks are found during the spring drag. Risk areas in Renfrew County and District are determined using this surveillance method.

In 2024, public health inspectors collected 19 ticks through active surveillance. The ticks were tested and the results are listed below.

Lyme disease positive: 6
Anaplasmosis positive: 1
Babesiosis positive: 2

The current Ontario Blacklegged Tick Established Risk Area map can be found on Public Health Ontario’s website.

Tick-borne Diseases

Signs and symptoms in humans usually appear between 3 and 30 days after a bite from an infected blacklegged tick. Signs and symptoms can vary from person to person after being bitten by a tick.

The most common symptoms can include:

rash (Lyme Disease can cause a “bulls-eye” rash at the site of the tick bite)
chills
fever
headache
joint and muscle pain
spasms
facial paralysis
fatigue
numbness or tingling

Disease Treatment

Your health care provider may diagnose you with a tick-borne disease depending on your signs, symptoms and risk factors. Laboratory testing is not always required to diagnose and treat tick-borne disease infection. Most cases can be treated successfully with antibiotics.

Pharmacists are now able to provide prescriptions for Lyme disease treatment.

More information on specific tick-borne diseases can be found here.

Resources

Lyme Disease & Other Tick-borne Diseases (anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Powassan virus ):

Government of Ontario – Tick-borne Diseases
Public Health Ontario – Lyme Disease
Public Health Ontario – Ontario Blacklegged Tick Established Risk Area
Health Canada – Lyme disease: Symptoms and treatment
Health Canada – Ticks and tick-borne diseases

Tick Checks and Tick Removal:

Tick Prevention:

Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that are spread from person to person through the air. It usually affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, kidneys, or spine. Tuberculosis is preventable and curable.

When a person with TB disease in his/her lungs coughs or sneezes, the TB bacteria are released into the air. Another person can then breathe the TB bacteria into his/her lungs. A person who breathes in the TB bacteria can become infected. This is called latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). When a person has LTBI infection, the TB bacteria have entered the body, but they are not growing and are dormant (latent). With LTBI infection, a person does not feel sick and cannot give the TB bacteria to other people. A person with LTBI infection may develop active TB disease in the future.

Symptoms

A person with TB may have the following symptoms:

Only a health care provider can tell if you have TB disease. A chest x-ray, sputum and IGRA blood test will help show if you have the disease in your lungs. Other tests may be necessary to find out if TB disease is in other parts of the body.

Treatment

TB disease can be treated with antibiotics and may be cured. The antibiotics must be taken as recommended to make sure that the person does not become even more sick and to prevent the TB bacteria from becoming stronger or resistant to the medication.

Prevention

The risk of being exposed to tuberculosis is very low. If you have been in contact with someone who has active tuberculosis or think you may have, consult your health care provider. If you plan to travel to countries with high rates of tuberculosis, visit a health care provider or travel health clinic 6 weeks before you leave. If you believe you are at risk of getting tuberculosis, ask about getting a skin test. Learn more about skin tests at: Tuberculin Skin Tests (TST).

Additional Information

RCDHU: Immunization Clinics
Government of Canada: Tuberculosis (TB): Prevention and risks

Varicella (Chicken Pox)

Chickenpox (varicella) is a common childhood infection caused by the varicella zoster virus. Following the initial varicella illness, varicella zoster virus may be reactivated later in life as herpes zoster (also known as shingles).

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of chickenpox may include:

Slight fever may be present before a rash develops
Rash, appearing first on the body and head, spreading to the limbs
Rash, beginning as small, red, flat spots that develop into itchy fluid-filled blisters
Blisters will break and crust over to form dry, brown scabs

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for varicella. Since it is caused by a virus rather than bacteria, antibiotics cannot treat the infection.

Prevention

Varicella can be prevented through immunization. It is recommended that children 12 months to 12 years old receive 2 doses of varicella-containing vaccine.
Individuals with mild illness may be permitted to return to a childcare setting or school as soon as they are well enough to participate in normal activities, regardless of the state of the rash.

Additional Information

West Nile Virus

West Nile virus is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected after biting infected birds.

Learn more at Government of Ontario’s: West Nile virus.

Symptoms

Most people who are bitten by an infected mosquito have no symptoms and do not get sick. Some people such as the elderly and those with a weakened immune system may have flu-like symptoms.

Some see symptoms 2-15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Common symptoms include:

Approximately 1 in 150 people will have serious symptoms including:

If you think you have contracted West Nile Virus, contact your healthcare provider.

Prevention

Cover up when going outside between the hours of dusk and dawn (when most mosquitoes feed). Remember to wear:
- a long-sleeved shirt or jacket, long pants and socks
- light-coloured clothing
- if you will be outside for a long time, wear special clothing that is designed to protect you from bugs
Use insect repellant containing DEET or icaridin
Once a week, get rid of standing water around your home (mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, even small amounts)
Keep bushes and shrubs clear of overgrowth and debris (adult mosquitoes like to rest in dense shrubbery)
Turn your compost pile often

Mosquito Testing

Since 2005, Renfrew County and District Health Unit has been trapping and testing mosquitoes during the summer months. This helps us to know if mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus are living in Renfrew County and District. West Nile virus was found in mosquitoes in Renfrew County for the first time in the summer of 2017.

Other Common Infections

Diseases of public health significance are listed above and need to be reported to local health units.

Visit RCDHU’s Other Common Infections webpage for those that do not need to be reported to RCDHU but are still important to know.

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Protect yourself, children and pets from animal bites:

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal:

If you are the owner of an animal involved in a biting or scratching incident:

Preventing Human Cases of Rabies

Yellow Ribbon Campaign – Animal Bite Awareness

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Treatment

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Tick-borne Diseases

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