News

Enhanced COVID-19 Dashboard Launched

MEDIA RELEASE

November 23, 2022

Southwestern Public Health Releases New Dashboard that Helps Community Assess COVID Risk

Rather than simply providing raw data, the dashboard now interprets that data and offers an assessment of risk to the local community

Today, Southwestern Public Health, the public health unit serving the 215,000 residents of Oxford County, Elgin County and the City of St. Thomas, is launching an enhanced COVID-19 dashboard. The new data tool not only showcases...

SWPH MOH Strongly Recommends Masking Indoors to Prevent Triple Threat of Respiratory Viruses

MEDIA RELEASE

November 14, 2022

SWPH Medical Officer of Health Strongly Recommends Masking in Indoor Settings to Prevent Triple Threat of Respiratory Viruses

Ontario is experiencing an unprecedented number of children fighting RSV, COVID-19 and Influenza in its hospitals.

As an adult, it can be easy to downplay a stuffy nose or sore throat as a mild cold. However, as Ontario experiences an early and severe influenza surge, coupled with COVID-19 and the extremely contagious RSV...

SWPH Seeks Cooperation with Animal Bite Investigations

MEDIA RELEASE

November 3, 2022

Public health inspectors seek cooperation in the investigation of animal bites

It takes only a few minutes of your time to assist in an investigation that will reduce the risk of someone being infected with rabies, a virus that is always fatal.

 Under Ontario’s Health Promotion and Protection Act, public health is legislated to investigate all reported animal exposures, such as bites or scratches, to ensure that the person who has been injured is not...

First lab confirmed cases of influenza identified

NEWS

October 27, 2022

First lab confirmed cases of influenza identified in Southwestern Public Health region

This week Southwestern Public Health received notification of two lab-confirmed cases of influenza A – the first two cases of the 2022/23 season. Both cases are in young children residing in Oxford County.

These confirmed cases are an indication that influenza is circulating within our community. Surrounding health units are also experiencing sporadic activity.

“The influenza...

Sweater Weather

Autumn brings with it a predictable rhythm. The air chills, the leaves turn colour and fall, and we wrap ourselves in the coziest of our sweaters in preparation for the winter ahead.

Many of us already have the fall routine of visiting our health care team or pharmacy for a flu shot. With COVID-19 here to stay, each of us should also add a COVID-19 booster to our fall wellness schedule.

The influenza vaccine is updated each year. Scientists try to match the vaccine with the strain of flu that they...

Infection prevention and control lapse at Woodstock specialist office

Media Release

October 25, 2022

Southwestern Public Health reports infection prevention and control lapse at Woodstock based specialist office

Patients most at-risk of an infection as of the result of the lapse in IPAC practices will shortly receive a personal letter recommending testing

In September, following a complaint from the public, Southwestern Public Health conducted an inspection of the Obstetrics and Gynecology clinic of Dr. D. Snider, a specialist practicing at 716 Dundas...