News

Bat Tests Positive for Rabies in Norwich, Ontario

August 14, 2023

Bat Tests Positive for Rabies in Norwich, Ontario

Individual receiving post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent rabies infection.

St. Thomas, ON. A bat located in Norwich Township has tested positive for rabies. The bat was sent for testing after biting an individual. That individual is receiving rabies post-exposure prophylaxis which will prevent them from contracting the virus.

Rabies is a viral disease that is spread through the saliva of animals. It affects an animal’s brain and...

Dog bite incident in Thamesford

UPDATE: THIS DOG HAS NOW BEEN FOUND.

Southwestern Public Health has been notified of a dog biting incident.

The incident happened on July 25th between 7:50PM-8:00PM at the Thamesford Public School property. The dog is described as a medium sized black lab/mix. There were 3 individuals with the dog at the time of the incident (2 males and 1 female).  The individual who came to get the dog after it bit, is described as a male with dark brown hair.

Public health seeks information about this dog to...

New therapy program for perinatal mood disorders

Southwestern Public Health launching the new no-cost program in fall 2023

The Healthy Babies, Healthy Children team at Southwestern Public Health is launching a new program this fall for perinatal mental health.

Balanced Beginning is a group-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) program for individuals who are pregnant or have a child under 18 months of age and experiencing depression, anxiety, or feeling down or overwhelmed. The no-cost, small group format is a unique service offering for...

SWPH Issues First Heat Warning of 2023

Southwestern Public Health issues heat warning for July 4 through July 5.

July 4, 2023 at 8:00 AM

Southwestern Publi­c Health (SWPH) issues heat warnings when Environment Canada forecasts temperatures that are expected to be at least 31°C and/or a Humidex value above 40°C for at least two days, with overnight temperatures at or above 20°C.

Environment Canada is forecasting hot temperatures in the SWPH region beginning Tuesday, July 4th and continuing through the evening on Wednesday, July 5th....

SWPH anticipates 'high-risk' air quality

Ontario's Air Quality Health Index forecasts a high risk to air quality on June 27 and 28th in the region 

Smoke from ongoing forest fires in Quebec and Ontario has impacted the air quality in several regions of Ontario, including in Elgin County and Oxford County.

On June 27th, Environment Canada issued a special statement for Elgin County and Oxford County because the Ontario Air Quality Health Index for the region is expect to rise to 7, which is consider high risk, Tuesday evening and into...

Board of Health commits to further exploration of CTS

Despite the availability of harm reduction services in the region, the rate of all opioid-related harms in the region have been rising since 2016 and surpass the provincial rate

Following dynamic conversation about a recent feasibility study about the need for consumption and treatment services (CTS) in the Southwestern Public Health region, its Board of Health indicated unanimous support for the recommendations contained within.

“Each member of this Board witnesses almost daily the harms of the...