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9| The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,July 12,2018 theifp.ca NEWS Halton Infectious disease statistics 2017 Here are the most commonly reported diseases ALEXANDRA HECK aheck@metroland.com Vaccine Preventable Diseases: 439 in 2017 398.2 on average from 2012-2016 25 in 2017 31.4 on average from 2012-2016 18 in 2017 14.6 on average from 2012-2016 Influenza Streptococcus Pneumoniae, Invasive Chickenpox (Varicella) 10 in 2017 11.8 on average from 2012-2016 6 in 2017 1.2 on average from 2012-2016 Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Mumps 1,148 in 2017 866.2 on average from 2012-2016 179 in 2017 110 on average from 2012-2016 102 in 2017 97 on average from 2012-2016 Chlamydia Gonorrhoea (All Types) Hepatitis C 35 in 2017 37 on average from 2012-2016 13 in 2017 15.6 on average from 2012-2016 Syphilis HIV 2 in 2017 2 on average from 2012-2016 AIDS Sexually Transmitted Infections: Halton Region staff say 21 people died last year in respi- ratory outbreaks across the region, with the majority of those 85 recorded outbreaks taking place in long-term care homes. There were 44 enteric out- breaks recorded by the re- gion, with one confirmed death. In total, Halton Region public health has recorded 129 outbreaks across the re- gion in 2017, with 72 per cent of respiratory outbreaks, and 30 per cent of enteric out- breaks taking place in long- term care homes. Retirement residences and child care centres are other common facilities where outbreaks took place. Of these incidents, the ma- jority were in Burlington and Oakville, with 65 and 44 cases respectively. Halton Region communi- cations adviser John Winkels says that public health in- spectors as well as public health nurses work closely with homes and facilities that report outbreaks, maintain- ing daily contact with staff until the outbreak is over. "Surveillance, early re- porting by homes, testing of ill residents and the imple- mentation of appropriate outbreak control measures help to minimize illness, hos- pitalization and death," he said. The region follows two main documents issued by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) that outline standard proce- dures for dealing with out- breaks. In 2015, the region report- ed 74 respiratory outbreaks and 56 enteric incidents, which had risen from the average numbers for 2010- 2014. In the event of a respirato- ry outbreak like influenza A, rhinovirus or coronavirus, the MOHLTC urges staff in long term care homes to get flu vaccinations, set up an Outbreak Management Team, and establish a moni- toring system for symptoms in residents. "These [outbreaks] can lead to substantial morbidity and mortality and are disrup- tive and costly for LTCHs," says the information docu- ment, explaining that early detection and action is key. For more information about infectious diseases in Halton Region, visit halton- .ca. 22 dead from respiratory and enteric outbreaks in Halton Region last year ALEXANDRA HECK aheck@metroland.com Save The Tax, this weekend ONLY! New, Used and Thrift Items Retro, Apparel, Tools, Toys, Collectibles, Gifts, Housewares, Kitchen and Furniture Items Something for everyone in the family GRANd OpeNING WeeKeNd: July 12-15th, 2018! 140 Guelph Street, Unit 7 Georgetown, Ontario L7G 4A5 (905) 877-0003 November 2018 May 2019 2017/2018 SEASON June 2019 YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN THE M MaN USiC JR. THE M MaN USiC JR. B B E E A A And The S uT T yEAu globeproductions.ca T 2017/2018 SEASON Dental Implants It feels great to smile with confidence! Available here... New Patients Welcome Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Marketplace Dental Centre Georgetown Marketplace Mall 905-877-CARE (2273) • www.georgetowndental.com HOURS: Monday & Wednesday 8:00am - 8:00pm • Tuesday & Thursday 8:00am - 6:00pm • Saturday 8:00am - 3:00pm Proudly Serving Georgetown Since 1994.