News

HPPH opens COVID-19 vaccination clinics for spring boosters

Huron Perth, ON – HPPH has launched its April COVID-19 vaccination clinics to meet Ontario’s new spring booster recommendations, including a clinic in Stratford on April 11 and one in Goderich on April 12. The April 11 clinic in Stratford will have walk-in availability from 11am to 3pm.

As of April 6, individuals in specific high-risk groups are recommended to receive a spring booster dose if at least six months (168 days) have passed since their last dose or confirmed COVID-19 infection. These...

Dog Involved in Scratching Incident in Mitchell Located

West Perth – Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) is pleased to share that the dog being sought after it scratched a child in Mitchell on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 has been located.

Thank you to the owner for contacting HPPH. Successful follow up is being completed.

By law in Ontario, all cats, dogs and ferrets over three months of age must be vaccinated against rabies. HPPH is required to investigate biting and scratching incidents to determine whether the animal involved is up-to-date on its rabies...

Health Unit Looking for Dog that Scratched Child in Mitchell

West Perth – Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) is looking for a dog that scratched a child at the dog park on Wellington Street in Mitchell. The incident took place around 5:30pm on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.

The dog involved in this incident is described as a purebred Bernese Mountain dog, black, white and brown in colour, and not yet fully grown. At the time, it was being walked by a female who stated that she was taking care of the dog for a sibling.

HPPH is investigating this incident to verify...

Health Unit seeing pertussis cases in Huron Perth

Huron Perth, ON – Similar to other areas in southern Ontario, Huron Perth Public Health is seeing cases of pertussis in children. In 2022, there were three cases; in 2023 to date, there have been 21 confirmed cases. Pertussis, also called whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial illness.

“The illness can be serious for infants younger than 12 months of age who are not vaccinated, or who have not received all doses of the pertussis vaccine,” says Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer of...

Canadian guidance on alcohol and health updated:

More Huron Perth residents consume alcohol at high risk level compared to Ontario

Huron Perth, ON – In January, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction released Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health. The guidance replaces the 2011 Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines. It is based on the latest research into alcohol as a risk factor for injuries, violence, and several chronic diseases (including cancer, heart disease and stroke). Data show that alcohol consumption causes nearly 7,000...