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Robyn Land & Melissa Syrja, Public Health Inspectors
A streamlined Outbreak Response Protocol has improved the efficiency of public health’s response to confirmed or suspected food and waterborne illness outbreaks.
Micro-organisms such as Norovirus or E. coli bacteria can get into…
Opioids
Opioids are drugs that are used primarily to treat pain, Opioids can also induce euphoria (feeling high) and are sometimes used for this purpose. Opioids can be prescribed medications dispensed from a pharmacy or obtained through the illicit market. Some commonly used opioids include:…
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,…
Download the BodyWise Operator Education Package (PDF):
Background
Public health inspectors from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit visit personal service settings to make sure operators are meeting the minimum requirements under Ontario law; Ontario Regulation 136/18: Personal…
Introduction
After a flood, it’s important to restore your home to good order as soon as possible to protect your health and prevent further damage to your house and belongings. Whether you do the work yourself or hire a contractor, this handy checklist will help you organize the clean up.…
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…
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…
Find resources and information for professionals working in Emergency Services.
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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…
The tools used in body art services (including tattoos, body piercing and micro-pigmentation – also known as “permanent makeup”) and salon services (including manicures and pedicures) often come into contact with blood and other bodily fluids. This increases the risk for transmitting serious…
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…
In Thunder Bay District, the most common threat to air quality is wildfire smoke. The role of Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) is to raise awareness and provide information about this health concern. This page has information on steps you can take to protect your health during wildfire…
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…
Blue-green algae (BGA) are microscopic organisms found naturally in lakes and streams. They are usually found in low numbers but can rapidly increase in warm, shallow, surface water that receives a lot of sun. When this happens, they can form blooms that make the water look like green pea soup or…