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Like public beaches, pools and other artificial recreational waters are great places to have fun and cool off in the summer. However, they can also be a breeding ground for recreational waterborne illnesses (RWIs), including a wide variety of infections such as gastrointestinal, skin, ear,…
The effects of pesticides (including herbicides, fungicides and insecticides) on human health are complex and not completely understood. However, there are clear links between pesticide use and illness. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit’s role is to provide recommendations and information about…
West Nile Virus is transmitted, or spread, to humans through a bite from an infected mosquito.
TBDHU has been monitoring the local mosquito population for many years to identify any risk. This is done by trapping mosquitos and testing them. To date, West Nile Virus is not endemic in our area and…
Bed bugs are insects with oval-shaped bodies and no wings. Unlike most public health pests, bed bugs are not known to transmit or spread disease. However, they are certainly a pest - feeding on blood, causing itchy bites and generally irritating their human hosts and they can cause other…
Rodents and insects can be a big problem for both homeowners and business owners. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit provides information about prevention and control, and public health inspectors inspect businesses in the District – particularly restaurants and food vendors – for signs of pests…
Water – it’s not just for drinking! Kids and adults alike love to splash around in it, water ski on it, and dive down into it, especially on a hot day. But water is also an excellent place for germs to live. Whether it is outdoors at our local beaches and lakes or indoors in our pools and spas, we…
We all love sunny days, but the sun can be damaging to our health without the proper precautions. Holes in the Earth’s natural defence against ultraviolet (UV) rays – the ozone layer – have left us at an even higher risk for skin cancer.
The role of the Thunder Bay District Health Unit is to raise…
Extreme heat events due to a changing climate are a growing public health risk in Canada. Because of our cooler climate in the Thunder Bay District, we can be more susceptible to extreme heat than those who are regularly exposed to it.
Heat Illnesses
Extreme heat puts everyone at risk of heat…
Year
Location
Water Sample Date
Date BGA Identified
2024
Marie Louise Lake
September 21, 2024
October 8, 2024
McKenzie Beach Avenue (Shuniah)
August 27, 202
August 29, 2024
Two Island Lake
August 22, 2024…
Ticks are Present in Thunder Bay and District
The percentage of blacklegged ticks In the City of Thunder Bay area infected with Borrelia burgdorferi (the causative agent of lyme Disease) is greater than 40% as of 2023.
The City of Thunder Bay and immediately surrounding area are…
Our lakes are great places to relax, cool down, and have some family time during the summer. But bacterial infections such as E. coli can put a damper on the fun. Our role is to monitor public beaches within the city and district (with the exception of beaches within provincial parks) and alert…
UV Index
To find the current UV index for the Thunder Bay District, please visit Environment Canada's page: Thunder Bay's Current Weather Conditions
UV Index
UV Index
Description
Low (1-2)
Sunglasses (bright days)
Cover-up (> 1 hour)
Sunscreen SPF 30+ (> 1 hour)
Medium (3-5…
Winter Sun Savvy Facts
Reducing ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure decreases the risk of skin cancer and eye damage.
Up to 80% of sun’s UV rays reflect off snow and ice.
UV reflected off snow in winter is stronger than UV reflected off sand in summer.
The higher the altitude, the stronger…
Beach Notifications
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit will notify the public of any issues concerning beaches tested by the Health Unit.
Beach advisories will be issued in beaches outside of Thunder Bay (with the exception of private beaches and provincial parks) when recreational water…
Thunder Bay's current temperature and UV Index
Don’t let a sunburn ruin your vacation!
Sunburns can happen in minutes during a trip to sunny destinations where the UV index is Extreme (11+). More information can be found below.
Many tropical destinations can have a UV Index…