News

Look, but Don’t Touch: Health Unit Brings Awareness to Animal Bite Prevention

Look, but Don’t Touch: Health Unit Brings Awareness to Animal Bite Prevention

NORTH BAY, ON –  People can get rabies when they are bitten or scratched by an animal with the virus, or if the animal's infected saliva enters an already existing open cut or wound. One can also get rabies if the infected saliva makes contact with the person’s eyes, nose, or mouth.

Steps to Prevent Animal Bites and Rabies:

• You may not be able to tell if an animal has rabies by just looking at it. It is best to avoid...

New Beach Sign Aims to Prevent Health Risks, Replace Routine Monitoring

NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release:  Wednesday, June 3

New Beach Sign Aims to Prevent Health Risks, Replace Routine Monitoring

NORTH BAY, ON – Residents and visitors to the Nipissing and Parry Sound districts can expect to see new signage at public beaches this summer to help them make an informed decision before entering the water. After an internal assessment, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) has shifted away from monthly beach water sampling of E. coli bacteria to...

Health Unit Extends Drug Alert a Second Time as Overdose Activity Exceeds Pandemic Levels

NEWS RELEASE

NORTH BAY, ON — Drug-related overdose activity has surpassed levels seen during the COVID‑19 pandemic, with 42 opioid-related overdoses reported to the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) over the course of April 2026, compared to 38 in September 2020. Of the 42 overdoses, four resulted in death. This is the highest number of opioid-related overdoses reported to the Health Unit since the launch of their surveillance program in 2019. The Health Unit has extended...

Tick Talk: Health Unit Brings Awareness to Ticks, Disease Prevention

NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release: May 4, 2026

NORTH BAY, ON – As a new season brings warmer temperatures and people spend more time outdoors, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) is encouraging the public to become more aware of ticks. The campaign comes after the Health Unit recorded its highest number of Lyme disease cases in 2025, with 71 per cent of cases reporting local tick exposure.

Ticks are small blood-sucking insects that cannot fly. They live in wooded, tall...

Health Unit Extends Community Drug Alert

Public Service Announcement

NORTH BAY, ON – The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) has extended the Community Drug Alert issued on April 7, 2026. Since its release, an additional 13 opioid-related overdoses have been reported in the Nipissing and Parry Sound districts, spanning from April 6 to April 17. Of the 13 additional overdoses, one resulted in death. The specific substances being reported are fentanyl, prescription opioids and unknown opioids.

The Health Unit is urging...