News

Harmful Blue-Green Algae in Bear Lake

Note: The laboratory results from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks indicated that a harmful algal bloom was not present at the time of sampling (July 29,2024), but had occurred on Bear Lake at some point. 

NEWS RELEASE

SPRUCEDALE, ON - The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) would like to advise the public that a harmful algae bloom (cyanobacteria), also known as blue-green algae, has been found in Bear Lake for the first time. Species of the algae...

Whooping Cough Outbreak in Nipissing, Parry Sound Districts

NEWS RELEASE

NIPISSING & PARRY SOUND, ON – The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) has declared a local whooping cough (pertussis) outbreak affecting residents across the Health Unit region. Since January 2024, 16 confirmed cases of pertussis have been reported to the Health Unit. This is an increase from the previous five years, where we had an average of only 3.8 cases per year.

“With the increase of cases throughout the health unit area, many of whom are not linked to each...

The Board of Health for the NBPSDHU Approves New Strategic Plan

NEWS RELEASE

NORTH BAY, ON – During last night’s Board of Health meeting for the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) the board approved the 2024-2027 strategic plan. The plan is an evidence-informed roadmap to guide and prioritize programs and services to address public health needs in the communities we serve.

Plan development took stock of the Health Unit’s past and current efforts to meet community needs and began a process to explore and update the organization’s guiding...

More Public Walk-in Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Vaccine Clinics Throughout West Nipissing

NORTH BAY, ON – The Health Unit has had additional cases of whooping cough (Pertussis) within the West Nipissing region and across the Health Unit’s district. Due to cases not having epidemiological links, we can say with much certainty that there is community spread and other undetected cases in the district.

Whooping cough is different from a mild cough or the flu. It is a highly contagious respiratory infection. It is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or...

Two Birds Test Positive for the West Nile Virus in North Bay

NEWS RELEASE

NORTH BAY, ON - Two wild birds (American Crows) in the City of North Bay have tested positive for the West Nile Virus (WNV). The samples were submitted on June 4 by the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative and the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit received the results today, June 7.

Mosquitoes acquire WNV by feeding on infected birds. The virus is spread to humans and other mammals by the bite of an infected mosquito. It is not spread from other animals.

Being bitten by an...