Public Health Advisories

Heat Warning in Effect

June 17, 2024

Peterborough Public Health is issuing a Level 2 Extended Heat Warning. A heat event is expected to affect the local area starting today, through to Thursday night. Daytime temperatures will reach up to 33⁰C, with a humidex expected to reach 43⁰C, and high temperatures expected to continue into the night.

This extended heat event can increase the risk of severe health impacts and residents are urged to take precautions to protect themselves and those who they care about. Community agencies and service providers should consider enhancing services and communicating directly to those who may be most at risk.

This extended heat event is similar to the 2021 heat dome in British Columbia that caused many illnesses, resulting hundreds of heat-related deaths. Extended periods of extreme heat are a serious health risk. During the 2021 event in British Columbia, many people died in their own homes due to the heat. If you are able, check in on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbors.

While extreme heat can put everyone at risk, health risks are greatest for the following individuals:

  • people experiencing homelessness,
  • older adults,
  • children, especially infants and young children,
  • pregnant people,
  • people taking certain medications,
  • people with certain health conditions (e.g., respiratory, cardiac, diabetes, mental illness, mobility limitations);
  • people who live alone, and
  • people who are active outdoors, including outdoor workers.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If you or someone you are with has a high body temperature, hot flushed or very pale skin, and is unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating, call 911 immediately.

People suffer heat-related illnesses when their body temperature quickly rises, and they are unable to cool themselves. The risk of heat-related illness increases with the amount of time spent in the heat, the temperature and an individual’s sensitivity to heat. Heat exhaustion can very quickly lead to heat stroke. There can be other effects on the body like rash and swelling. Watch for symptoms of heat-related illnesses, which may include:

  • heavy sweating;
  • muscle cramps and/or headache;
  • weakness, dizziness, or fainting;
  • nausea or vomiting;
  • pale, tiredness;
  • rapid breathing and heartbeat;
  • extreme thirst; or
  • decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, take measures to cool yourself immediately and if you are unable to cool down or symptoms worsen, seek medical attention.

Members of the public should access air-conditioned public spaces (e.g., shopping centres, public libraries, places of worship) or local cooling centres to get a break from the heat. There are cooling centres located in the City as well as the County of Peterborough. Residents can reach out to their municipalities to find out more information.

How to Protect Yourself During Hot Weather:

  • Stay hydrated with water and drink before you feel thirsty; avoid alcohol and caffeine.
  • Avoid going out during the hottest time of the day and avoid direct sun.
  • Keep your home cooler by using air conditioning or blocking out the sun with blinds and curtains. Avoid using heat-generating appliances, including the oven.
  • Monitor the temperature of your home. If your home feels too hot, plan to spend some time in a cool, public space. Health risks may increase when indoor temperatures exceed 26°C.
  • Wearing loose fitting, light-coloured clothing.
  • Take a cool bath/shower or cooling down with cold, wet towels.
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor physical activity.
  • Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight.

Extreme heat is often accompanied by poor air quality. Monitor the Air Quality Health Index, found on the Environment, Conservation & Parks’ website www.airqualityontario.com and plan outdoor activities accordingly.

Please visit the Peterborough Public Health website for further information and resources: https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/your-health/environmental-hazards/extreme-weather-heat/ 

Measles Preparedness

March 5, 2024

There have been 17 cases of measles now confirmed in Canada, including 5 in Ontario.

Further information and details can also be found online: https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/your-health/measles/ or in
this advisory at https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/for-professionals/health-professionals/ .

Clinical signs and symptoms are characterized by fever, cough, coryza or conjunctivitis, and generalized maculopapular rash. Most people exposed to measles become symptomatic after 10-14 days. Incubation period ranges from seven to 21days. Cases are infectious from one day before the start of the prodromal period, which is usually about four days before rash onset, to four days after onset of rash. Exclusion for measles exposure begins five days after first exposure due to the possibility of transmission before symptoms begin.

More Information and Resources
• Measles for Healthcare Professionals (Center for Disease Control & Prevention, United States)
• Canadian Immunization Guide – Measles Vaccine (National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI))
• Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Measles in Canada (Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC))
• Measles (Public Health Ontario (PHO))