Category Archives: Alert

Alert, Featured

Wild Fire and Evacuation Situation – Leader Long Term Care Residents Return to Western Senior Citizens Home

Update: 2:05pm October 19

All residents have arrived back in Leader safely and are settling in!

Our emergency operations centre has been revoked.

Update: 11:00am October 19

Great news! With power back on and all necessary clearances now in place, long term care residents from Leader are now able to return home to the Western Senior Citizens Home.  Our plans to transport residents are underway.  We anticipate everyone to be home safe and sound sometime between 12:00pm and 2:00pm.

Plans are also being finalized to return acute inpatients back to the Leader Hospital when medically able to do so.  The status of returning all hospital patients back to Leader will be handled case-by-case.

We thank our patients, residents, family members, staff, and others involved in this evacuation situation for the patience and understanding that has been extended.  While this situation was not ideal, safety is always our top priority.

Update: 1:25pm October 18

We have made the decision that long term care residents of the Western Senior Citizens Home in Leader will remain at The Meadows in Swift Current for the remainder of Wednesday including overnight.  This will be re-evaluated on Thursday morning to determine when it is safe to return to Leader.

Power outages are still in place in many areas of southwest Saskatchewan including Leader.  Timelines for power to be restored are not currently known.

The safety of our residents and staff is the top priority.  It is safest to remain in Swift Current until power is fully restored.

Our health facilities are equipped with backup generators to provide short term emergency power supply in the event of outage. Backup generators are not stable power sources and cannot be relied on for extended periods of time.

We recognize that being away from home for any longer than necessary is not ideal.  We will relocate long term care residents back to the Western Senior Citizens Home as soon as is safe to do so.

Residents will continue to be cared for, including food, drink, medications, and other necessities, by staff from The Meadows and some staff from Leader who have travelled with residents.

Update: 12:05pm, October 18

The Leader Hospital has re-opened with limited services. Emergency outpatient services are now available. Dial 9-1-1 in medical emergency.

Update: 10:20am, October 18

Evacuations in Leader and Burstall are removed, however power is still out in Leader and may be for some time. We are working on plans to re-open the Leader Hospital as soon as possible. Emergency services remain available by dialing 9-1-1.

Update: 9:10am, October 18

We are continuing to evaluate the Leader evacuation and the next steps for long term care residents and hospital patients who were brought to Swift Current. Updates will be provided throughout the day today.

We emphasize that all long term care residents and hospital patients are safe. Family members of evacuated long term care residents may call 306-770-2100 for more information on their loved one.

Update: 8:50 am

Forest Fire Smoke and Your Health Fact Sheet

Updates will continue to be shared on our social media channels and on our website.

Update: 11:50pm

We will continue to monitor the wild fire situation throughout the night. We will contact all long term care resident family members Wednesday morning to provide an update on loved ones. Some staff from Leader have travelled into Swift Current with our residents and will be with them throughout the night.

Our medical health officer, occupational health, and public health staff will continue to monitor the situation at our health facilities in Leader. We will look to transport long term care residents and hospital patients back to Leader as soon as it is safe to do so.

Updates will continue to be shared on our social media channels and on our website.

Update: 9:55pm

All long term care residents and hospital patients from Leader, who were evacuated due to the wild fires near Burstall and area, have arrived safely in Swift Current and are settling in.

We continue to monitor the active wild fire situation and are continuing with our emergency operations centre.

Update: 8:15pm

Our facilities in Leader have been safely evacuated.  The Leader Hospital is currently closed.  Anyone remaining in the area with a medical emergency is asked to dial 9-1-1.

Arrangements are in place at The Meadows and Cypress Regional Hospital to receive the long term care residents and hospital patients that are in transport.

See below for prior information and details.

Update: 6:15pm

The Town of Leader is also being evacuated due to wildfire.

We are immediately evacuating all long term care residents at the Western Senior Citizens Home in Leader and acute inpatients at the Leader Hospital.

All long term care residents and hospital inpatients are being safely transported out of Leader.

Long term care residents from Leader are being transported to The Meadows in Swift Current.  Acute inpatients from the Leader Hospital are being transported by ambulance to the Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current.  Family members are being contacted directly.

More information will be posted as it’s available.

http://emergencyalert.saskatchewan.ca/alerts/2017/10/3225.html

Original post:

The community of Burstall is under an immediate evacuation order due to a wild fire.

We have evoked our Emergency Operations Centre to respond to the emergency.  Plans are underway.

Updates will be posted to this page as they are available.

For the latest details on the emergency alert please visit the Saskatchewan emergency alerts page.

Alert, Featured

Precautionary Drinking Water Advisory – Village of Climax

The Water Security Agency has issued Precautionary Drinking Water Advisory (PDWA) notices to all residents and users of the public water supply in the Village of Climax. The Village of Climax advisory is in effective at 8:00am on Wednesday, October 18 and is due to a water main replacement causing a  depressurized system.

The PDWA in the Village of Climax will remain in effect until the safety of the  water systems can be ensured at all times. This will include power being restored, stable chlorine/turbidity levels, and bacteriological sample tests that show negative results for bacterial growth in the final treated potable water being supplied.

Updates on PDWA’s:

  • Frontier was rescinded on Oct. 25, 2017 at 3:30pm.
  • Sceptre was rescinded on Oct. 26, 2017 at 3:00pm.
  • Areas in Leader have been rescinded on Oct. 26, 2017 at 3:00pm.
  • Richmound was rescinded on Oct. 26, 2017 at 3:30pm.

Communities under a PDWA should:

  • boil all water, used for drinking purposes, for at least one minute, at a rolling boil, prior to use
  • boil water to be used for other activities where it may be ingested including brushing teeth, soaking false teeth, washing fruits/vegetables, food/drink which will not be subsequently heated, and ice cubes
  • not use the water for washing dishes unless the water has been boiled or the dishes sanitized in another fashion. Washed dishes and utensils can be soaked in a bleach water solution (2 tbsp bleach per gallon of water) for at least two minutes after being washed to kill any bacteria
  • not drink from any public drinking fountains supplied with water from the public water supply
  • ensure that younger children and infants are sponge bathed
  • use an alternative water source known to be safe if they do not wish to boil the water and
  • consult with your physician if you have cuts or rashes that are severe before using the water

Under most circumstances, there is no need to boil water used for other household purposes. Adults, adolescents, and older children may shower, bathe, or wash using tap water but should avoid swallowing the water. Laundry may be washed in tap water, either by hand or by machine.

For more information please contact the Water Security Agency at 306-778-8685.

Alert, Featured

Outbreak Rescinded – Wolf Willow Health Centre – Eastend

Update: September 29 at 11:50am

Please be advised that the outbreak at the Wolf Willow Health Centre in Eastend has been rescinded and visitation at the facility may now resume.

We would like to thank the general public for adhering to the visitation restrictions during the outbreak.  Thanks is also extended to staff and public health/inspection control teams for their diligence in working to rescind the outbreak as quickly as possible.

While visitation has now resumed, enteric and other illnesses continue to circulate in our communities.  Frequent and proper handwashing are very important to eliminate the spreading of illnesses.  In particular we ask anyone visiting a health facility to please wash your hands thoroughly prior to leaving your home and wash your hands again upon entering the facility.  If you are feeling ill, please stay home until you are feeling well.

Update: September 27 at 9:30am

The outbreak continues.  There are currently three residents with signs and symptoms of the illness.  The specific illness type remains unknown.  Visitation restrictions continue to be in place. See original post below for complete details.

Original post: September 25 at 4:30pm

Under the guidance of Medical Health Officer Dr. David Torr, an outbreak has been declared at the Wolf Willow Health Centre in Eastend due to the presence of enteric illness signs and symptoms amongst the facilities residents.

Gastroenteritis (enteric illness) means inflammation of the stomach and both small and large intestines. Viral gastroenteritis is an infection caused by a variety of viruses that result in vomiting or diarrhea. It is often called the “stomach flu”, although the influenza viruses do not cause gastroenteritis.

Many different viruses can cause gastroenteritis, including rotaviruses, noroviruses, adenoviruses and enteroviruses.

Read more about Viral Gastroenteritis.

Due to this declaration, please consider the following:

  • Until further notice, visitation to the facility will be restricted.  The only exceptions to these restrictions will be in the event of an ‘end of life’ situation, where the nurse in charge at the facility can be contacted to discuss the options that are available for family members to visit their loved one.
  • This outbreak has been declared due to the presence of an unconfirmed enteric illness.  Samples will be collected and sent to the Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory in Regina for analysis and confirmation of the illness type.
  • Presently, there are four long term care residents within the facility who have been identified as meeting the signs and symptoms of this illness.
  • Enhanced cleaning and infection control protocols have been implemented within the facility in an attempt to remove the illness.

Public Health and Infection Control Team members are actively involved and are providing guidance into the ongoing steps being taken to eradicate the illness.  The health region is strongly emphasizing that everyone do what they can to prevent the spread of illness/sickness to others.  Frequent and proper handwashing, staying home when ill, and enhanced cleaning of hard surfaces within your homes/businesses should always be the normal practice.

Read more about outbreaks and why they are declared.

Alert, Featured

Blue-Green Algae Bloom Advisory

The recent warm temperatures in the province may result in the quick formation of algae blooms.

The Water Security Agency and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health are advising the public to avoid direct contact and any consumption of any surface water where blue-green algae blooms are occurring. Blue-green algae blooms can be harmful for household pets and livestock. Residents and producers are advised to keep their animals away from these areas.

Algae blooms are heavy concentrations of blue-green algae, which often give the water a shimmering, foamy and often pea soup appearance. The blooms may be blue-green, bright blue, grey or tan in colour.

Algae blooms commonly occur during calm, hot weather in areas of lakes and reservoirs with shallow, slow moving or still water that has sufficient nutrients. The blooms can last up to three weeks and can be pushed around the lake or reservoir by the wind.

Direct contact or consumption of algae-contaminated water can cause red skin, sore throat, cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In addition, caution should be taken when considering the consumption of fish or shellfish caught in areas of a water body where a bloom exists; the internal organs of the fish should not be eaten.

If you have health symptoms, call Healthline 811 or contact your health care provider.

For further information on blue-green algae view this fact sheet and for complete details on the advisory visit www.saskatchewan.ca.

Alert, Featured

Food Recall Warning for President’s Choice brand Pub Recipe Chicken Nuggets Due to Salmonella

Ottawa, July 12, 2017 – Loblaw Companies Limited is recalling President’s Choice brand Pub Recipe Chicken Nuggets from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled product described below.
Brand Name: President’s Choice- Pub Recipe Chicken Nuggets- Uncooked Breaded Cutlettes 
Size: 800g
Product Code(s) 2018 MR 15, UPC: 0 60383 13171 5
What you should do

If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, call your doctor.

Check to see if you have recalled products in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.

Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems may contract serious and sometimes deadly infections. Healthy people may experience short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.

Background

This recall was triggered by findings by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) during its investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing recalled product from the marketplace.

Illnesses

There have been reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

For more details on this affected product and the recall visit Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Alert

Food Recall Warning For Robin Hood Brand All Purpose Flour, Original

The Public Health Agency of Canada is collaborating with federal and provincial public health partners to investigate an outbreak of Escherichia coli, called E. coli O121 that has now been linked to Robin Hood All Purpose Flour, Original. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a food recall warning advising Canadians of the recalled product that has been distributed in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The investigation is ongoing and it is possible that additional products linked to the outbreak investigation may be identified.

Canadians are advised not to use or eat any Robin Hood All Purpose Flour, Original sold in 10 kilogram bags with a code containing BB/MA 2018 AL 17 and 6 291 548 as these products may be contaminated with E. coli.

This outbreak is a reminder that it is not safe to taste or eat raw dough or batter, regardless of the type of flour used as raw flour can be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as E.coli.

E. coli are bacteria that live naturally in the intestines of cattle, poultry, other animals, and humans. Most E. coli are harmless to humans. However, there are many different strains of E.coli, and some varieties can cause serious illness.

Who is most at risk?

Although anyone can get an E. coli infection, pregnant women, those with compromised immune systems, young children and older adults are most at risk for developing serious complications.

What you should do to protect your health?

Check to see if you have the recalled product in your home.  If you do:

  • Do not use or eat recalled Robin Hood All Purpose Flour, Original. Secure the recalled product in a plastic bag and throw it out or return it to the store where it was purchased for a refund.
  • If you have flour without its original packaging and are unsure if it is included in the food recall, throw it out just to be safe.
  • Thoroughly wash any containers that were used to store the recalled product before using them again.
  • If you suspect you may have used recalled flour to make baked goods or a non-baked product, such as children’s play-dough, throw it out. Wash all surfaces or containers where the product may have been used or stored.
  • Wash your hands with soap and warm water immediately following any contact with the recalled product.

For general use of flour, the following tips will also help reduce your risk of becoming ill:

  • Do not taste raw dough or batter. Eating a small amount could make you sick.
  • Bake or cook items made with raw dough or batter before eating them.
  • Always use hot water and soap to wash any bowls, utensils, or surfaces that flour was used on.
  • Wash your hands with soap and warm water immediately after touching flour, raw dough or batter.
  • Contact your healthcare provider if you think you have become ill from eating raw dough or batter or from consuming or handling a flour product.

People infected with E. coli can have a wide range of symptoms.  Some do not get sick at all, though they can still spread the infection to others. Others feel as though they have a bad case of upset stomach. Still others become seriously ill and must be hospitalized.

The following symptoms can appear within one to ten days after contact with the bacteria:

  • severe stomach cramps
  • watery or bloody diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • nausea
  • headache
  • little or no fever

Most symptoms clear up within five to ten days without needing to see a healthcare professional. However, some people who are infected with E. coli develop life-threatening symptoms, including kidney failure, seizures and stroke. While most individuals will recover completely, others may suffer permanent health effects, like kidney damage. Death can also result in extremely rare cases.

For more details on this affected product and the recall visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Alert, Featured, News Release

Mumps Confirmed in Cypress Health Region

April 28, 2017

We now have over 20 lab confirmed cases of mumps present in our region. Over the past five years the average number of mumps cases in Saskatchewan has been 0 to 2. Cases currently range from those under age 10 to those over age 60.

The single most important way to prevent mumps is to be immunized.

Mumps is an acute viral infection characterized by painful swelling of the glands on one or both sides of the jaw. Mumps can also affect the reproductive organs, sometimes with long term complications. Other symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, sore throat, vomiting, tiredness, and loss of appetite. Symptoms can appear 14-25 days following the original exposure and the virus can be unknowingly transmitted to others during that time.

If you suspect your child or someone in your family has symptoms of mumps, keep them home for at least 5 days after the onset of mumps and for 9 days if symptoms continue.

To help prevent spreading mumps cover your mouth and nose when coughing, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and avoid sharing personal items such as water bottles, utensils, drinks, and lipsticks.

For more information on the mumps virus or to learn your immunization status contact your local public health office, call us toll-free at 1-866-786-2510, or visit your family physician/nurse practitioner clinic.

Positive lab results received from the National Medical Laboratory in Winnipeg have confirmed the presence of mumps within the Cypress Health Region.  The Region is currently reporting three confirmed cases and a fourth suspected case, affecting both youth and adult individuals.

Mumps activity has been reported across Canada, with a number of recently identified cases in Alberta and Manitoba including individuals within the hockey community.  The confirmed cases within Cypress Health also include individuals from the hockey community.

Mumps is an acute viral infection characterized by painful swelling of the glands on one or both sides of the jaw.  Mumps can also affect the reproductive organs sometimes with long term complications.Other symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, sore throat, vomiting, tiredness and loss of appetite.  Symptoms can appear 14-25 days following the original exposure and the virus can be unknowingly transmitted to others during that time.

The mumps virus can be easily spread by coughing, sneezing, or being in contact with another person’s saliva.  Transmission is more likely in crowded environments and with close contact such as classrooms, sporting events, bars, and dormitory living.

“Mumps can be quite a painful illness to go through and un-immunized cases have more severe symptoms than immunized individuals and likely with more complications,” commented Dr. Torr, Medical Health Officer for Cypress Health.  “It is key that individuals are up to date with their immunizations, most especially at this time those involved in sports, including players, coaches, volunteers, parents, and others.  A significant number of cases across the country, and locally, have been associated with sports gatherings.  We are encouraging children and adults to make sure they are up to date with their immunizations. Those born before 1970 are likely to have acquired natural immunity. Those born after 1970 should make sure that they are up to date with their immunizations, and if not, should contact public health to get up to date.”

Dr. Torr recommends a variety of measures that can help to reduce the spread of the mumps virus:

Vaccination is essential – infants and children receive protection as part of their MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) immunizations; teenagers and adults can contact their local public health office to check their immunization status and schedule an appointment for a booster if required.

  • Individuals suspected of having mumps or mump-like symptoms should stay away from childcare, school, post-secondary settings, sporting and social events, and workplaces for at least five days after onset of symptoms.
  • Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
  • Avoid sharing eating utensils, water bottles, drinks, and lipsticks with others.
  • Call ahead before going to your physician, so they can prepare to see you without exposing others.

“In addition frequent hand hygiene, especially when at events or public places, not sharing eating and drinking utensils, and toys for daycares are all key measures that help reduce spread of infection. Of course, those ill with mumps symptoms should get checked by their health practitioner and stay at home whilst recovering,” Dr. Torr added.

For more information on the mumps virus and immunization status, please contact your local Public Health office, call Toll-Free at 1-866-786-2510, visit your family physician/nurse practitioner’s clinic or visit www.saskatchewan.ca and search mumps.  Please visit www.saskatchewan.ca for more mumps facts.  The provincial HealthLine can also be contacted 24 hours per day by calling 811 for any non-urgent health questions.

Alert

Buckley’s Syrups Recalled

Buckley’s syrups recalled due to potential choking hazard

Health Canada is advising Canadians that GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare Inc. has initiated a voluntary recall of certain Buckley’s syrup products from stores.  A defect with the plastic seal may cause it to fall into the bottle and present a potential choking hazard if swallowed.  This seal is a circular plastic layer that is clear or semi-transparent and approximately 1.7 cm in diameter.

The affected products are indicated for use by adults and children above 12 years old.  Buckley’s Jack and Jill children’s syrup is not part of the recall as it uses a different seal.

Check your home to see if you have purchased any of these recalled products. Do not drink directly from the bottle.  Pour the syrup into a teaspoon and check for the plastic seal before consuming.  Call your doctor if you have used these products and have any health concerns.

For details on these affected products and this recall visit the Healthy Canadians website.

Alert, Featured

Outbreaks in Herbert and Shaunavon Rescinded, Visitation Resumes

Update: February 16 at 9:40am

The outbreak at the Shaunavon Hospital and Care Centre has been rescinded and visitation at the facility may now resume.  The outbreak previously declared at the Herbert and District Integrated Health Facility has also been declared over.

While visitation at both facilities has now resumed, illnesses continue to circulate in many communities.  Anyone who is feeling ill or has signs and symptoms of an illness is asked to refrain from visiting a health facility unless to seek medical attention.  Please only visit if you are symptom free.  As well, infection control measures should continue to be practiced in homes and businesses. Frequent and proper handwashing are very important to eliminate the spreading of illnesses as well as coughing/sneezing into a tissue, sleeve, or crook of your elbow, staying home when ill, and frequently cleaning commonly touched surfaces.

The Region thanks the general public for adhering to the visitation restrictions during the outbreak.  Thanks is also extended to staff and public health/inspection control teams for their diligence in working to rescind the outbreak as quickly as possible.

Update: February 13 at 10:25am

Dr. David Torr, Medical Health Officer, has rescinded the respiratory outbreak of coronavirus oc43 that has been in place at the Herbert and District Integrated Health Facility.  The outbreak in Herbert was originally declared on February 7.

Visitation at the Herbert facility is no longer restricted.  Anyone experiencing signs and symptoms of an illness currently or within the last seven days is asked to refrain from visiting the facility unless to seek medical attention. It is important to continue to minimize the spread of illness into and out of the facility.

The respiratory illness outbreak in Shaunavon remains in place with two residents currently showing signs and symptoms.  Lab results are still pending to determine the illness type that is being experienced in the long term care side of the Shaunavon Hospital and Care Centre.  Visiting restrictions remain in place and are limited to end of life situations only where special arrangements may be made with facility staff.

Good and thorough infection control practices should remain in place in all communities.  This includes frequent hand washing, staying home when ill, regularly cleaning commonly touched surfaces in the home and workplace, and sneezing/cough into a tissue, sleeve, or the crook of your elbow.

Update: February 9 at 4:50pm

The Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory has confirmed that the virus circulating within the Herbert and District Integrated Health Facility is coronavirus OC43.

Coronaviruses are common viruses that most people get some time in their lives.  They usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses.

There are several different groupings of coronaviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).  Coronavirus OC43 is not the same as SARS or MERS.  Coronavirus OC43 is common around the world with symptoms including runny nose, cough, sore throat, and fever.

To read more about coronaviruses please visit the Centres for Disease Control website.

The illness type circulating in Shaunavon remains unknown.

Update: February 9 at 2:40pm

The Shaunavon Hospital and Care Centre has been placed under outbreak status due to the presence of respiratory illness amongst several of the facilities long term care residents.  The Herbert and District Integrated Health Facility also remains under outbreak status.

Visitation restrictions have been put in place during these outbreaks to minimize illness being brought into or carried out of the facilities. Until further notice visitation is restricted to an end of life situation where the facility should be contacted to discussion the options available for family members to visit their loved one.

Please note that the outbreaks in Herbert and Shaunavon affect long-term care services only; acute and emergency services remain available at both facilities.

Respiratory viruses are contagious.  They are easily spread by coughing, sneezing, and direct contact through nasal and throat secretions.  Symptoms include fever and chills, cough, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, and a runny or stuffy nose.

Immunization is an important step to protect yourself and those around you. In addition to immunization other measures to protect yourself include proper hand hygiene with warm water and soap, staying home when ill unless seeking medical attention, coughing and sneezing into your sleeve or the crook of your elbow, and frequently cleaning commonly touched surfaces.  Parents with young children should wash their hands thoroughly before and after changing a diaper.  Hand sanitizers should not be used as a complete replacement for proper hand hygiene.

Read more information in the respiratory illness outbreak news release.

Original message: February 7 at 4:20pm

Under the guidance of Medical Health Officer Dr. David Torr, an outbreak has been declared at the Herbert and District Integrated Health Facility due to the presence of signs and symptoms of an unknown respiratory illness amongst the facility’s long term care residents.

This outbreak affects the long-term care side of the facility only.  All acute/emergency services are still available at the facility.

Due to this declaration, please consider the following:

  • Until further notice, visitation to the facility will be restricted.  The only exceptions to these restrictions will be in the event of an ‘end of life’ situation, where the nurse in charge at the facility can be contacted to discuss the options that are available for the family members to visit their loved one.
  • Outbreak has been declared due to the presence of an unconfirmed respiratory illness.  Samples are being forwarded to the Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory in Regina for analysis and confirmation of the illness type.
  • Presently, there are 5 long term care residents within the facility who have been identified as meeting the signs and symptoms of this illness.
  • Enhanced cleaning and infection control protocols have been implemented within the facility in an attempt to remove the illness.

Public Health and Infection Control Team members are actively involved and are providing guidance into the ongoing steps being taken to eradicate the illness.  The Health Region is strongly emphasizing that individuals in all communities do what they can to prevent the spread of illness/sickness to others.  Frequent and proper handwashing, staying home when ill, and enhanced cleaning of hard surfaces within your homes/businesses should always be the normal practice.

Respiratory infections are infections of the respiratory tract, including upper (head and chest) and lower (lungs).  Symptoms of respiratory illnesses include congestion, cough, runny nose, sore throat, facial pressure, sneezing, watery eyes, ear congestion, fatigues, headache, shortness of breath, malaise, and high fever. Symptoms usually begin 1-3 days after exposure and usually end within 7-10 days of onset. Read more about Respiratory Illnesses.

Updates and additional information regarding this outbreak will be posted as they become available.

Alert

PC Organics Brand Baby Food Pouches Recalled

PC Organics brand baby food pouches recalled due to potential presence of dangerous bacteria

The Canada Food Inspection Agency has issued a food recall warning on PC Organics brand baby food pouches due to potential presence of dangerous bacteria.  Loblaw Companies Limited is recalling PC Organics brand baby food pouches from the marketplace, including those sold in Saskatchewan, because they may permit the growth of Clostridium botulinum. A manufacturing error resulted in excess water in the product, which under certain circumstances could support the growth of Clostridium Botulinum and pose a health risk to consumers.

The recall was triggered by a consumer complaint and there have been reported illnesses that may be associated with the consumption of these products.

Food contaminated with Clostridium botulinum toxin may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, blurred or double vision, dry mouth, respiratory failure and paralysis. In severe cases of illness, people may die.

If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, call your doctor.

Check your home to see if you have purchased any of these recalled products. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.

For details on affected products and this recall visit the Healthy Canadians website. To learn more about food poisoning visit the Canada Food Inspection Agency website.