January 23, 2026 – Extreme Cold Warning Issued by Environment Canada for Renfrew County and District
January 23, 2026 ‐ Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for Renfrew County and District. Extreme cold conditions are expected with windchill values near minus 35 to minus 40 degrees Celsius this evening into Saturday morning. To monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada, please visit www.weather.gc.ca. Very cold temperatures can lead to serious health risks like windburn, frostbite, and hypothermia. Frostbite can develop on exposed skin within minutes and can happen to anyone. People most vulnerable to extreme cold include infants, older adults, people with medical conditions affecting the heart or lungs, people taking certain medications such as beta-blockers, people experiencing homelessness, people living in a home without adequate electricity or heat, and people working outdoors
January 15, 2026 – Overdose Alert for Renfrew County and District
January 15, 2026 ‐ Renfrew County and District Drug Strategy partners are alerting residents about an increase in overdoses and suspected overdose-related deaths in the Renfrew and Arnprior areas. Although specific substance(s) related to the overdoses have not been confirmed, it is important to remember that all street drugs must be considered highly toxic and potentially fatal.
January 12, 2026 – RCDHU Urges Families to Review, Update and Submit Immunization Records for School-aged Children
January 12, 2026 ‐ Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) has started its annual review of immunization records for all students that attend school in Renfrew County and District, as required under the Immunization of School Pupils Act. Keeping routine immunizations up to date is an important precaution to protect children and the community against serious illnesses. The Immunization of School Pupils Act requires all students attending school in Ontario to be immunized or have a valid exemption for the following nine vaccine-preventable diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningococcal disease, and varicella (for those born after January 1st, 2010).
December 12, 2025 – Stay Protected Over the Holiday Season as Flu Activity Rises
December 12, 2025 ‐ This year’s flu season has started early across Ontario, and influenza activity is high in many parts of the province. The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) is seeing a concerning rise in flu cases and hospitalizations among children. In Renfrew County and District (RCD), flu activity is rising, and current trends suggest we are likely to see our local peak over the next two to four weeks.
November 24, 2025 – Reduce Water Usage Update 4
November 24, 2025 ‐ Reducing water consumption in Pembroke and Laurentian Valley is especially important over the next three days as the City starts repairs of a major watermain break. Tomlinson, the specialized contractor hired for the job, will start repair work of the large diameter trunk watermain Wednesday, November 26. For the smoothest start to the repairs, it is important the water system has enough stored water in both the water tower and the water storage reservoir. We remind people to reduce water consumption wherever and whenever possible, especially over Monday and Tuesday as we prepare for Wednesday’s work.
November 07, 2025 – First local influenza case of the 2025/2026 season
November 7, 2025 ‐ Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) has received laboratory confirmation of the first local case of influenza A for the 2025-2026 season. Seasonal influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious viral respiratory illness that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. The flu vaccine (flu shot) is the most effective way to prevent influenza infection and severe illness. Flu shots are available for anyone aged 6 months or older at RCDHU clinics across Renfrew County and District, at participating pharmacies, or from your primary care provider. To see the full RCDHU clinic schedule and to book your flu shot, visit www.rcdhu.com or call us at 613-732-9436 or 1-833-773-0004.
October 03, 2025 – RCDHU Launches Fall Vaccine Clinics for COVID-19, Flu, and RSV
October 3, 2025 ‐ COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization clinics. RCDHU clinics for higher-risk and priority groups begin on October 7th, and COVID-19 and flu vaccinations become available for everyone on October 27th. “I strongly encourage everyone to get their COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines as soon as they’re eligible,” says Dr. Jason Morgenstern, Medical Officer of Health, RCDHU. “It’s the best way to protect yourself and others from respiratory illness, while also reducing strain on our healthcare system throughout the fall and winter.”
September 10, 2025 – Horse in Renfrew County and District Tests Positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV)
September 10, 2025 ‐ A confirmed case of EEEV has been detected in a horse in Renfrew County and District. The animal had no history of travel and was not up to date on equine EEE vaccination. While this finding indicates local virus activity, EEEV infection in humans is rare and the risk to the public remains low. EEEV is a mosquito-borne virus normally found in wild birds that can occasionally spread to horses and, rarely, humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. EEEV does not spread from horses to people or between people.
August 7, 2025 – Helping People Stay Safe: Local Drug Strategy Making Progress – A Harm Reduction Pillar Update
August 7, 2025 ‐ Early indicators show cause for cautious optimism that our collective efforts are making a difference. From July 1st, 2024 to June 30th, 2025 Renfrew County and District saw a 39% reduction in suspect drug-toxicity deaths and a 51% reduction in opioid-overdose visits to local emergency departments, compared to the previous 12 month period. While smaller declines are also being observed across Ontario, and year-to-year numbers can fluctuate significantly, these results suggest we are moving in the right direction.
August 1, 2025 – Bat in Renfrew County and District Tests Positive for Rabies
August 1, 2025 ‐ Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) has received confirmation that a bat collected in the City of Pembroke has tested positive for the rabies virus. The bat was submitted as part of an investigation into a potential human exposure and RCDHU has followed up with those involved to prevent rabies infection.