Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Online Bulletin for Health Care Providers

Feb. 1, 2024

From:
Dr. Ethan Toumishey
Medical Officer of Health and CEO
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health

In this Issue:

  1. iGAS cases 
  2. Vaccine preventable disease
  3. Eating Disorder Awareness Week

News & Updates

Increase in invassive Group A Streptococcus cases

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is seeing an increase in invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) cases. This trend is province-wide, and Public Health Ontario (PHO) reports cases in December 2023 being the highest monthly case count reported to date since the 2014-2015 season.

People over 65 and children ages five-nine have had the highest incidence thus far, with a significant increase in fatal outcomes for cases under 18 years of age. Consider testing for GAS in anyone presenting with sore throat and keep in mind for anyone reporting sudden or unusual signs of infection and/or fever.

Those most at risk of developing iGAS include the following:

  • infants and young children
  • People over 60 years of age
  • Pregnant and postpartum people
  • People living with chronic diseases
  • People with weakened immune system
  • People who abuse alcohol or use injection drugs
  • People with skin wounds/lesions, including children with chickenpox
  • People who recently had surgery

Testing for vaccine preventable disease

Vaccine preventable disease, like measles, continues to spread globally, including in North America. Testing for a vaccine preventable disease is advised in anyone with compatible signs and symptoms regardless of vaccination history. Testing recommendations, along with isolation recommendations can be found in the Ministry of Health Infectious Disease Protocol.

Suspect or confirmed cases of a vaccine preventable disease are required to be reported to Public Health. Call 613-966-5500, ext. 349 during work hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday), or 613-966-5500 after hours.

Eating Disorders Awareness Week: Breaking Barriers, Facilitating Futures

Eating Disorders Awareness Week (Feb. 1-7, 2024) is a national effort to increase awareness of eating disorders, dispel myths and stereotypes, and support people living with and affected by eating disorders. This year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers, Facilitating Futures”, highlights some of the lesser-known barriers to eating disorder treatment.

As defined by PROOF, food insecurity is inadequate or insecure access to food due to financial constraints. Canadian Income Survey data reveals that the prevalence of food insecurity in the Hastings Prince Edward (HPE) region is estimated to be 23 per cent (household food insecurity prevalence for two years combined 2021-2022). This means that approximately one in four households in HPE experience food insecurity. The HPE estimate is higher than the provincial average of 17.4 per cent.

Food insecurity can impact a patient’s mental and physical health and their ability to implement health care provider guidance. The National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) has created materials to inform health care providers about the link between food insecurity and eating disorders, key considerations, and available supports for patients.In order to better support patients, health care providers are encouraged to consider NEDIC’s recommendations and actions:

  • Ensure available resources for community programming and food support (such as the Good Food box or food bank information) are easily accessible.
  • Consider the addition of screening questions regarding food access to better understand potential barriers patients may be experiencing.
  • Acknowledge any barriers to food access patients are experiencing. Communicate and show understanding to challenges experienced with one’s relationship to food when food access is limited.

For more information and resources, visit NEDIC’s website for educational materials and Eating Disorders Awareness Week resources.

To learn more about food insecurity, visit PROOF’s website.

Back to Summary

Contact Information: 

To report communicable diseases:613-966-5500 x349

To report AEFI or DOPHS: Online / Fax: 613-966-1813 or CDCFAX1@hpeph.ca

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people.

You have received this email at from Hastings Prince Edward Public Health as a result of a request you have made or due to a service/subscription that you are registered for. While you may discontinue your subscription to this mailing at any time by pressing the unsubscribe button below, please note that this bulletin will be used to provide important updates about infectious and communicable disease.