Drug warning: Increase in suspected drug poisonings (overdoses)
The Community Drug Strategies of Manitoulin and Lacloche Foothills have received reports of an increase in the number of drug poisonings (overdoses) and unexpected reactions from the use of substances in the Manitoulin and Lacloche Foothills areas.
While we cannot confirm the substance(s) causing the overdoses, this situation serves as an important reminder to the community that street drugs may be cut or mixed with substances such as benzos (benzodiazepines), xylazine, fentanyl, or carfentanil. Frontline workers warn that more toxic substances may be circulating locally.
An overdose occurs when a person uses a substance, and their body is unable to handle the effects. As a result, the brain is unable to control basic life functions. The person might pass out, stop breathing, or experience a seizure. Overdoses can be fatal and non-fatal.
Prevent overdoses to save lives:
- Carry a naloxone kit. Know how to use it (PDF).
- Call 911 if you suspect an overdose.
- Avoid mixing drugs, including prescribed, over the counter, and street drugs.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while using other drugs.
- Use caution when switching substances: start with a lower dose than you usually would.
- If you have not used in a while, start with a lower dose. Your tolerance may be lower.
- Avoid using drugs when you are alone. Have a trusted person with you who can provide support as needed.
- If you must use alone, consider the following options.
- Connect with the National Overdose Response Service at 1.888.688.6677 (NORS line). NORS is a virtual safe consumption line available 24/7 that provides confidential and nonjudgmental support, whenever and wherever you use drugs.
- Access the Brave App. The Brave App is a virtual safe consumption app available 24/7 that will anonymously and privately connect to a Brave Supporter before you use drugs alone.
Opioid overdose symptoms include:
- fingernails and lips turn blue or purplish black
- skin turns bluish purple, grayish, or ashen, depending on skin tone
- dizziness and confusion
- the person can’t be woken up
- choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds
- slow, weak, or no breathing
- drowsiness or difficulty staying awake
How to respond to an overdose:
- GIVE NALOXONE. This will help reverse an opioid overdose and will do no harm if the overdose is not due to opioids. This may improve breathing, but the person may not regain consciousness due to sedation. Additional doses may be needed.
- Call 911 to get medical help and keep monitoring breathing. Stay with the person until help arrives.
- If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position.
Where to get naloxone?
For a free naloxone kit, contact The Point at Public Health Sudbury & Districts, Réseau Access Network, or ask your local hospital or pharmacy. Or, visit www.ontario.ca/page/get-naloxone-kits-free.
Be cautious if using drugs and please distribute this information widely to help save lives.
This item was last modified on August 29, 2024
Swimming advisory lifted: Greater Sudbury—August 14, 2024
Public Health Sudbury & Districts has removed the swimming advisory signs at the following beach:
- Maintenance Beach – Ramsey Lake, Greater Sudbury
The most recent water samples taken at the beach by Public Health Sudbury & Districts are within acceptable levels of bacteria for bathing beaches. As a result, the beach water quality is once again considered suitable for recreational use.
Public Health Sudbury & Districts takes routine water samples regularly during the summer from 34 local beaches. For information about beach water quality, visit our beach water testing results webpage.
This item was last modified on August 14, 2024
Drinking water advisory issued for the Town of Gore Bay
Public Health Sudbury & Districts has issued a drinking water advisory effective immediately for all residents of the Town of Gore Bay.
A drinking water advisory means that people who take their water from the municipal system should NOT use it for drinking; making juice, infant formula, or ice; cooking; washing uncooked fruit and vegetables; or brushing teeth. Boiling the water may not make it safe for drinking. For these purposes, water from an alternate source, such as bottled water, should be used. The water can be used for laundry and bathing (excluding small children who could swallow the water).
Once the Town of Gore Bay has re-established the water supply, which was interrupted due to a loss of pressure as a result of a watermain break, residents should not use the water for human consumption until advised otherwise by Public Health Sudbury & Districts.
“It is possible that the loss of water pressure created conditions that compromised the safety of the drinking water,” said Jonathan Groulx, a manager in Public Health’s Health Protection Division. “Until bacteriological testing of the drinking water indicates a safe supply, the drinking water advisory will remain in effect as a precaution.”
Public Health staff will continue to monitor the situation. Public Health Sudbury & Districts will notify the Township when the drinking water advisory is lifted, and residents will be advised.
For more information, please call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 398 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) or visit phsd.ca.
This item was last modified on June 1, 2024
Board of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts votes in favour of merging with Algoma Public Health
Today the Board of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts met to consider and vote on a motion to merge with Algoma Public Health (APH). Following careful review and intense deliberations, Board members voted unanimously in favour of developing a joint business case to propose to the Ministry of Health a merger of the two public health agencies. Earlier in the day, however, the Board of Health for APH voted against a merger with Public Health Sudbury & Districts.
“Today’s Public Health Sudbury & Districts deliberations were in response to the Ministry of Health’s August 2023 announcement encouraging voluntary mergers and providing merger support funding for public health units. On behalf of Board members, I would like to extend our gratitude for the thoughtful and extensive work by both boards of health, the Medical Officers of Health, and staff from both public health units over the last few months to gather the information necessary to make an informed decision,” said René Lapierre, Chair, Board of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts.
“Throughout the process, the Board has been committed to ensuring a responsive, local public health service so we can respond to the health issues of today and the unexpected surges in demand of tomorrow. While our respective boards have decided differently, the diversity of perspectives shared during this exploration has enriched our relationships and mutual understanding,” said Lapierre.
Proposing a potential merger to the Ministry of Health requires agreement from both boards of health. As the Board of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts voted to support the potential merger and the Board of Health for Algoma Public Health voted against, a merger proposal will not be submitted to the Ministry.
“Our health system is under considerable strain, and we know that it’s critical to invest in a strong public health system to keep us healthy—from kids to seniors and from oral health to safe drinking water. We have longstanding and excellent relationships with Algoma Public Health—from frontline staff to senior leadership—and I know that both agencies remain committed to acting in the best interests of local communities to achieve the health equity that our areas deserve,” said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer for Public Health Sudbury & Districts. “Today’s decisions mean that our existing relationships continue and we look forward to future collaborations in support of local public health,” said Dr. Sutcliffe.
Following direction from the Board of Health in November 2023, staff and Board members from Public Health Sudbury & Districts engaged with Algoma Public Health in a feasibility study funded by the Ministry of Health. The study gathered information and explored the merits and risks of a merger with Algoma Public Health. Today’s Public Health Sudbury & Districts Board of Health decision was informed by this comprehensive study and the Board’s assessment of the potential impact of a merger on the agency’s ability to deliver public health programs and services to area communities.
The Board of Health will continue to seek to build on the agency’s nearly 70 years of delivering public health programs and services, developing pivotal community connections, and working with partners to improve opportunities for health for all. Skilled public health professionals and stable leadership have been cornerstones to the agency’s effectiveness, and its commitment to evidence informed practice will remain a primary focus in the future.
Board of Health members are committed to improving opportunities for health and creating healthier communities for all. Proceedings (agendas, minutes, and motions) for the Board are available online. To learn more about local public health programs and services, please contact Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) or visit www.phsd.ca.
This item was last modified on February 20, 2024
Public Health Sudbury & Districts welcomes returning Board of Health members
The Board of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts welcomed returning Board members at its first meeting of the year on Thursday, January 18, 2024. René Lapierre and Mark Signoretti were re-elected as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively for 2024.
The 2024 Board of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts includes elected and public representatives from communities across Greater Sudbury and the districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin. Members are committed to improving opportunities for health and creating healthier communities for all.
Board of Health proceedings (agendas, minutes, and motions) are available online. To learn more about local public health programs and services, contact Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) or visit www.phsd.ca.
This item was last modified on February 1, 2024
Swimming advisory lifted: Greater Sudbury, August 2, 2023
Public Health Sudbury & Districts has removed the swimming advisory signs at the following beach:
- Whitewater Lake Park Beach, Greater Sudbury
The most recent water samples taken at the beach by Public Health Sudbury & Districts are within acceptable limits of bacteriological water quality standards for bathing beaches. As a result, the beach water quality is once again considered suitable for recreational use.
Public Health Sudbury & Districts takes routine water samples regularly during the summer from 33 local beaches. For information about beach water quality, visit https://www.phsd.ca/health-topics-programs/water/beaches-splash-pads-pools-spas/beach-water-testing-results/.
This item was last modified on August 2, 2023
Swimming advisory issued: Greater Sudbury, July 29, 2023
A swimming advisory has been issued for the following beach:
- Whitewater Lake Park Beach, Greater Sudbury
As a result of routine water samples exceeding the acceptable bacteriological water quality standards, Public Health Sudbury & Districts has posted swimming advisory signs to inform the public that the beach water quality is not suitable for recreational use at this time at Whitewater Lake Park Beach, Greater Sudbury.
A swimming advisory is a precautionary notice that informs the public about specific risks to health and safety.
Going into the water when bacteria are present in high concentrations puts bathers at risk for infections. Illness can occur if swimmers swallow beach water; if water gets into their ears, eyes, or nose; or if it comes in contact with open wounds.
“We have enhanced our monitoring and will continue taking water samples,” said Jonathan Groulx, a manager with Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ Health Protection Division.
Public Health Sudbury & Districts will notify the public when bacterial levels return to acceptable standards for bathing beaches. For information about beach water quality, visit https://www.phsd.ca/health-topics-programs/water/beaches-splash-pads-pools-spas/beach-water-testing-results/.
This item was last modified on July 29, 2023
Blue-green algal bloom reported in Bass Lake
The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has advised Public Health Sudbury & Districts that results from samples taken July 21, 2023, from Bass Lake, Manitoulin Island, are positive for blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). The samples contained a species of cyanobacteria that can produce toxins.
Blue-green algal blooms could also appear in other parts of the lake. Because blooms are not anchored, they can move from one location to another through wind and water action. New blooms can also form. All residents on lakes should look for blooms in their area.
Blue-green algal blooms have an unsightly pea soup appearance and foul smell, and can produce toxins. Residents should avoid using or drinking water from areas where blooms are visible.
The highest concentrations of toxins are usually found in blooms and scum on the shoreline. These dense accumulations pose the greatest potential risks to people and pets. The algae toxins can irritate a person’s skin and, if ingested, cause diarrhea and vomiting. If a person ingests high levels of toxin, they could suffer liver and nervous system damage.
Public Health Sudbury & Districts advises people using lakes and rivers to be on the lookout for algal blooms. If you see a bloom near your property or water intake line:
- Avoid using the water for drinking, bathing, or showering, and do not allow children, pets, or livestock to drink or swim in the bloom.
- Be aware that shallow drinking water intake pipes can pump in blue-green algae.
- Do not boil the water or treat it with a disinfectant, like bleach, because it breaks open the algae cells, which releases more toxins into the water.
- Do not rely on water jug filtration systems as they may not protect against the toxins.
- Avoid cooking with the water because food may absorb toxins from the water during cooking.
- Follow the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Guide to Eating Ontario Fish. Exercise caution with respect to eating fish caught in water where blue-green algal blooms occur. Residents should not eat the liver, kidneys, and other organs of fish.
On lakes and rivers where blue-green algal blooms are confirmed, people who use the surface water for their private drinking water supply may wish to consider an alternate, protected source of water.
For more information on blue-green algae, including a list and map of water bodies with confirmed blooms, please visit our website at phsd.ca or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).
This item was last modified on July 27, 2023
Protect yourself from the effects of wildfire smoke
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued an air quality statement for the Public Health Sudbury & Districts (Public Health) service area. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, smoke plumes from local forest fires as well as forest fires over Quebec will result in deteriorated air quality today. Public Health would like to remind residents of the health effects of forest fire (wildfire) smoke and how to protect yourself.
Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and plant materials. The smoke releases many contaminants into the air, such as fine particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds.
Low levels of wildfire smoke can impact your health. Milder symptoms of smoke exposure include mild cough, headache, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. These symptoms can typically be managed without medical intervention. More serious symptoms include dizziness, chest pains, irregular heartbeat, severe cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and asthma attacks.
To reduce your risk of experiencing symptoms:
- Avoid outdoor physical exertion. Stop, reduce, or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities.
- Keep airways moist by drinking plenty of water. Breathe through a warm, moist washcloth to help relieve dryness.
- Visit places with cleaner, filtered air, such as libraries or shopping malls.
- If the temperature is comfortable, keep windows closed indoors and in vehicles. Use the recirculation setting on air conditioners and HVAC systems to prevent smoke from entering. Once the outdoor air has improved, adjust the setting to bring in fresh air.
- Follow your health care provider’s advice about managing your condition.
- People who have asthma should follow their asthma management plan.
Most healthy adults and children will recover quickly from smoke exposures and will not suffer long-term consequences. However, older adults, pregnant people, infants and young children, people who smoke, people who work outdoors, people involved in strenuous outdoor exercise, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions may experience more severe short-term, as well as long-term chronic symptoms from smoke exposure. For these individuals, a well-fitted respiratory type mask, such as an N95, can help reduce health risk when outside. Masks, however, may not fully protect you from poor air quality. Contact your doctor if you have chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or severe fatigue. This is important for people with chronic lung or heart disease and for people who have not been previously diagnosed with such diseases. Smoke can “unmask” or produce symptoms of illness.
Public Health strongly recommends that residents monitor the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and recommendations at Air Quality Ontario. The AQHI is presented on a scale of 1 to 10+ to communicate health risks. A scale of 1 to 3 means low health risk; 4 to 6 is moderate; 7 to 10 is high health risk; and above 10 is a very high health risk.
For more information, call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) to speak to a public health inspector, visit www.phsd.ca, or visit the Environment and Climate Change Canada website at www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/air-quality-health-index/wildfire-smoke.html.
This item was last modified on June 24, 2023
Respiratory illnesses continue downward trend: higher risks remain for some people
Public Health Sudbury & Districts is setting its COVID-19 Risk Index & Respiratory Activity Report to “inactive” status this week. Public Health continually assesses local risk based on the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and the advancement of scientific understanding. Major factors in the decision to set the risk index tool to “inactive” at this time include declining trends in respiratory illness, increased population immunity from vaccination or infection, reduced severity of illness, and the improved capacity to manage new waves or surges in COVID-19 or other respiratory viruses.
“We launched the risk index tool in the summer of 2022 to help people make informed decisions about their own protective measures, such as masking or gathering, particularly when disease trends were on the rise,” said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Medical Officer of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts. “Public Health’s primary goal is to protect our communities’ health, particularly among more vulnerable people. As we exit the annual respiratory virus season and enter spring with promising downward illness trends, it’s important to remember that some people are still at higher risk of severe illness. You can protect yourself and others by knowing your own personal health risks and taking steps that are right for you to reduce your risk of infection and severe illness,” said Dr. Sutcliffe.
Public Health follows best practices and recommendations for infection prevention and control (IPAC). In settings that provide care to vulnerable individuals, like long-term care homes and hospitals, IPAC measures remain in place. Setting the COVID-19 Risk Index & Respiratory Activity Report to “inactive” is part of our ongoing efforts to adapt and respond to the evolving situation in our service area while continuing to help ensure the well-being of community members. If necessary, Public Health may reactivate the tool during times of increased risk, for example, to get through a difficult respiratory virus season.
Public Health monitors respiratory disease activity, including COVID-19 and influenza through continuous surveillance. Data on COVID-19 cases, testing, and outbreaks will continue to be published three times a week at phsd.ca/covid-19/data. The Weekly report: COVID-19 case epidemiology and vaccination program update is also updated weekly on Wednesdays.
Individuals in the community can continue to adopt behaviours to reduce their own personal risks. Vaccination is the most effective way to remain protected and those at high risk of severe illness should book an appointment for their next COVID-19 booster dose this spring. Use Ontario’s Booster dose recommendation tool to find out when you should get a booster dose. Apply personal protective measures based on your age, and vaccination and health status, such as masking and staying home when ill. Consider the risk of those around you and increase precautions based on your health and environment to reduce the burden of illness in our communities.
For more information on respiratory illness and personal protective measures, visit phsd.ca or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).
This item was last modified on April 17, 2023
Drug alert: Tranq/xylazine found locally
The Community Drug Strategy for the City of Greater Sudbury has received confirmation that tranq/non-opioid ‘xylazine’ has been found locally in Sudbury and districts. A person may be exposed to xylazine when using other substances.
What is xylazine?
Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer. It is not intended for human use and when consumed in combination with other drugs, increases the risk of overdose.
- Xylazine can lower heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. Repeated exposure may lead to severe abscesses or wounds in areas other than injection sites.
- Both opioids and stimulants can be ‘cut’ or contaminated with xylazine.
- As a non-opioid, naloxone will not work to reverse the effects of xylazine. However, if you suspect an overdose, it is recommended that you administer naloxone as it will combat the effects of any opioid consumed.
- Fentanyl test strips will not detect the presence of xylazine.
- Combining xylazine with opioids, benzos (benzodiazepines), or alcohol can depress vital functions, increasing the risk of overdose and death.
When the body is unable to handle the effects of substances, an overdose may occur and can be fatal. A person might pass out or stop breathing. Do not use substances alone to ensure an immediate response in the event of an emergency.
Prevent overdoses to save lives:
- Avoid mixing drugs, including prescribed, over the counter, and illegal drugs.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while using other drugs.
- Use caution when using substances: start with a lower dose than you usually would.
- If you have not used in a while, start with a lower dose. Your tolerance may be reduced.
- When using substances, consider the following options:
- Avoid using drugs when you are alone.
- Carry a naloxone kit. Know how to use it (PDF).
- Call 911 if you suspect an overdose.
Overdose symptoms include:
- the person can’t be woken up
- choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds
- slow, weak, or no breathing
- drowsiness or difficulty staying awake
- slow heart rate, irregular heart rate, or no heartbeat
How to respond to an overdose:
- Call 911 to get medical help and keep monitoring breathing.
- GIVE NALOXONE. It will do no harm and will work to temporarily reverse opioid poisoning if opioids are present.
- If not breathing, give rescue breaths.
- Give chest compressions. Push hard, push fast.
- If the person is breathing on their own, place them on their side.
- Stay until help arrives. Overdose symptoms may come back.
These steps are especially important as xylazine decreases breathing and the effects can last for 8 to 72 hours.
Where to get naloxone?
For a free naloxone kit, contact The Point at Public Health Sudbury & Districts, Réseau Access Network, Sudbury Action Centre for Youth (SACY), or ask your local hospital or pharmacy. Or, visit www.ontario.ca/page/get-naloxone-kits-free.
Be cautious if using drugs and please distribute this information widely to help save lives.
This item was last modified on February 16, 2023
Notice for residents using Town of Espanola drinking water
Public Health Sudbury & Districts is advising residents of the Town of Espanola who consumed water from the Espanola Drinking Water System between 10:15 p.m. on January 31, 2023, and 8:30 a.m. on February 1, 2023, to monitor themselves for gastrointestinal symptoms due to potential exposure to Cryptosporidiosis. A mechanical issue with the coagulant feed at the Espanola Water Treatment Plant resulted in potentially improperly treated water entering the distribution system. The issue at the plant has been resolved and the risk is very low that anyone who has consumed this water during the affected times will experience any ill health effects. Water entering the distribution system after 8:30 a.m. on February 1, 2023, has been properly treated.
“Public Health Sudbury & Districts was advised of a mechanical issue at the plant which may have affected the safety of the water. The issue has since been fixed and the water being distributed is safe. Out of an abundance of caution, Public Health is asking residents to monitor for symptoms of Cryptosporidiosis for the next 12 days,” said Burgess Hawkins, a manager in Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ Health Protection Division. “As an added precaution, residents should flush their water lines if they have not been used. If residents had boiled their water at a rolling boil for at least one minute prior to consumption, they would not be at risk,” said Hawkins.
Coagulants bind to small particles in raw water to increase their physical size, allowing them to be filtered out before entering the treated drinking water supply. Effective filtration of drinking water is necessary to ensure the removal of parasites, particularly Cryptosporidium from the raw water. Symptoms of Cryptosporidiosis include:
- diarrhea (often profuse and watery)
- abdominal cramps
- anorexia
- fever
- nausea
- general malaise
- vomiting
Anyone experiencing one or more of these symptoms in the next 12 days should consult a health care provider and notify them of their potential exposure. For more information Cryptosporidium, please visit our website at phsd.ca or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).
This item was last modified on February 2, 2023