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Preventing Disease and Controlling Infections

The Porcupine Health Unit is responsible for conducting surveillance in order to monitor and limit the spread of diseases in the community. There are a number of institutions and businesses in operation where there is an increased risk of infection from a communicable disease or other pathogens. Personal service settings, such as tattooing or piercing, can spread blood borne pathogens, while institutions such as daycares, long term care facilities, and hospitals house large numbers of vulnerable people prone to illness.

The Porcupine Health Unit ensures that inspections are carried out during the year for infection control purposes in personal service environments, as well as in daycares in order to ensure best practices are being adhered to. Health unit staff also sits on infection control committees in hospitals and long-term care facilities in order to advise them on control measures to limit the spread of pathogens to their clients.

Illnesses such as West Nile Virus and Lyme disease are monitored and investigated to ensure that they are do not pose a risk to the area. By following simple prevention measures, these diseases can be avoided while enjoying the vast outdoors during our short summer months.

If you have any questions about Disease Prevention, contact a Public Health Inspector at 705-267-1181 or 1-800-461-1818.