October 7, 2019 - When the leaves start falling, it’s time to start thinking about flu season! Flu shots are the body’s best defense against catching and spreading the flu virus that starts to circulate this time of year.

The flu (influenza) is a serious respiratory illness that can lead to complications like pneumonia. The flu shot, FREE to all residents of Ontario, is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. There are certain groups of people at a greater risk of serious illness from flu-related complications, so they are strongly encouraged to get a flu shot:

October 2, 2019 – EarthCare Thunder Bay in collaboration with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit is bringing neighbours together this weekend at two Healthy Neighbourhood Harvest events.

The first Healthy Neighbourhood Harvest event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 1 – 4 pm, at County Park. The second event takes place Sunday, Oct. 6, from 1 – 4 pm, at Franklin Street Park, near the splash pad.

October 2, 2019 - The outbreak of respiratory illness at Southbridge Pinewood - Sandpiper Unit, located at 2625 E. Walsh Street, has been declared over today at 2pm. All restrictions have been lifted.

The Health Unit is urging people to stay at home and refrain from visiting hospitals and long-term care facilities when feeling unwell to avoid spreading infections to those most vulnerable: young infants and children, the elderly and those with other chronic illnesses.

The Health Unit reminds the public to prevent getting and spreading infections by:

September 23, 2019 - The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae in a water sample collected at Surprise Lake on September 17, 2019.The MECP is conducting toxin analysis on the water sample. However, it is important to remember that water should be avoided whenever a blue-green algae bloom is present, and for about 2 weeks after it has dissipated, regardless of the toxin analysis results because blue-green algae can turn toxin production on and off in response to environmental conditions.

August 30, 2019 - The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae in a water sample collected at Icarus Lake on August 25, 2019. The MECP is conducting toxin analysis on the water sample. However, it is important to remember that water should be avoided whenever a blue-green algae bloom is present, and for about 2 weeks after it has dissipated, regardless of the toxin analysis results because blue-green algae can turn toxin production on and off in response to environmental conditions.

August 29, 2019 - The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae in a water sample collected at the Northwest Side of Lower Shebandowan Lake on August 23, 2019. The MECP is conducting toxin analysis on the water sample. However, it is important to remember that water should be avoided whenever a blue-green algae bloom is present, and for about 2 weeks after it has dissipated, regardless of the toxin analysis results because blue-green algae can turn toxin production on and off in response to environmental conditions.

August 28, 2019 - The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has informed the Health Unit that the toxin analysis of the blue-green algae bloom on Hawkeye Lake has shown that toxins were not present in the sample. Note that this result reflects the water conditions when the lake was originally sampled on August 21, 2019. Please continue to exercise caution as blue-green algae blooms may recur and toxin production may vary for the rest of the season.

August 26, 2019 - With the start of another school year just a few weeks away, the Health Unit is reminding parents and guardians of the importance of submitting their child’s immunization record to the Health Unit. The Health Unit must review the records of all children enrolled in both school and licensed child care to ensure they are up-to-date on the immunizations they need to stay protected as well as the immunizations they are required to have according to Ontario law.

August 23, 2019 - The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae in Hawkeye Lake. The MECP continues to investigate whether the blue-green algae identified is a toxin-producing strain. When blue-green algae is present in water, it is important to avoid drinking the water, using it for household purposes, or swimming in it. Keep pets away from the water as well, as there have been incidents in other jurisdictions where pets have died after drinking water containing blue-green algae.