FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 27, 2005
Chippewa Swimming Advisory Lifted
The swimming advisory for Chippewa Park Main Beach has been lifted by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. The move is made after this week’s tests for e-coli showed that the bacteria levels no longer present a public health risk to swimmers. The trailer park beach at Chippewa is expected to remain closed for other reasons.
Heat and rainfall can change water quality at beaches. Inspectors at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit will continue to monitor the water quality at various beaches in the city and district and report any change in results to the public.
New Web Information for city and area swimmers:
For up-to-date status of all tested city and area beaches, please visit www.tbdhu.com
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 20, 2005
Chippewa Beach Swimming Advisory
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is announcing a Swimming Advisory the MAIN beach at Chippewa Park due to excessive level of E.coli bacteria found during regular water quality testing.
Warning signs about the hazards of swimming are being posted.
A high e-coli level in swimming water can cause problems with swimmers including a variety of skin eye, nose and throat infections, as well as stomach disorders. A high e-coli level can also be an indicator that other contaminants are in the water.
Public Health Inspectors regularly test beaches at Boulevard Lake and Chippewa Park from mid June to the end of August. E-Coli levels are monitored.
Sandy Beach located south of the park is not affected. The trailer park beach is not open for other reasons.
At other area beaches, reports about swimmers itch are being received. There are no tests for the condition that is caused by worms from faecal material of infected waterfowl.
More information about Recreational Water Illnesses, please visit the health unit website at www.tbdhu.com.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19, 2005
Swimmer’s Itch Reported
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is advising summer swimmers that symptoms associated with Swimmers Itch have been begun to be reported at some area beaches.
Swimmer's itch is a temporary skin infection acquired by bathers who come in contact with tiny worms called miracidia. The worms originate from waterfowl and mammals whose faecal material contains the worm eggs. The eggs hatch in the water and begin swimming to find a host. The tiny worms accidentally mistake humans as a host, and penetrate our skin as the water droplets evaporate.
Conditions of high waterfowl populations and warm water often trigger the problem.
After the bather leaves the water they may experience a tingling sensation and red spots will appear at the sites of penetration. Several hours later, the victim will experience a distinct itching sensation and the red spots will enlarge to form separate bumps.
Symptoms will vary depending on the sensitivity of the individual and with the severity of the infestation.
People swimming in lakes and rivers are advised to take the following measures:
- avoiding bathing areas suspected of being contaminated
- vigorously and completely toweling dry any skin surfaces wet with suspected water (before the water evaporates); and
- applying 70% alcohol immediately to spots on skin if experiencing a tingling sensation after swimming.
If a recent swim at a local beach has resulted in the distinct itching, some relief can be had by:
- Taking a bath with ½ cup of baking soda
- Applying anti-itch creams or lotions (consult a pharmacist).
- Taking antihistamine medication (always consult with your physician or pharmacist before taking any medication).
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18, 2005
West Nile Virus Update
As of July 12, 2005, three birds have tested positive for West Nile Virus in the Thunder Bay District. Positive birds include one from Shuniah, one from Manitouwadge, and one from Thunder Bay.
So far this season, ninety-three birds have been collected and twenty-eight of those have been deemed suitable to be sent for testing. As of this time last year, the area had four positive birds.
Presence of West Nile in the crow population leads to the assumption of the presence of West Nile in the area and subsequently other wildlife.
Of all the birds in the Corvid family, crows are the weakest. While other members of the Corvid family such as blue jays or ravens may become infected, they will continue to fly around. Crows are especially likely to die from West Nile virus infection. Testing is done on those birds that do not have apparent injuries that may have caused death.
“In our report for the 2004 season, we determined that there is a potential for an outbreak if environmental conditions become ideal,” points out Tony Pacifico , Manager of Environmental Health Programs at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. “However, the data we have thus far this year do not indicate any hot spots or spikes in West Nile Virus activity.”
Both mosquito testing and Dead Bird Collection will continue through August.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2005
Boulevard Swimming Advisory Lifted
The swimming advisory for Boulevard Beaches is being lifted by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. The move is made after this week's tests for e-coli showed that the bacteria levels no longer present a public health risk to swimmers.
Inspectors at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit will continue to monitor the water quality at both Boulevard and Chippewa beaches and report any change in results to the public.
Heat and rainfall can change water quality at beaches. For more information about Recreational Water Illnesses, please visit the health unit website at Beach Testing.
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