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Health Department releases report on climate change and vector-borne diseases in Durham Region

Whitby, Ontario – Climate change is expected to increase the spread and incidence of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) among residents of Durham Region and the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and other Indigenous Peoples with whom we share these lands.

To help learn about, prepare for, and act against climate change, Durham Region Health Department has released the report, Assessing the Impact of Vector-borne Disease, available at durham.ca/ClimateAndHealth. Part of the series Climate Change...

Durham Region Health Department advising of potential exposure to confirmed measles case

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Region Health Department is notifying the public of two measles exposure locations related to a confirmed measles case. The case is from outside of Durham Region but visited local venues while contagious.

There have been no cases of measles reported in Durham Region so far for 2025.

The Health Department advises anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus at the above locations to do the following:

• Confirm you and your family members have two doses...

Durham Region celebrates Recreation and Parks Month with a passport adventure initiative

Whitby, Ontario – June is Recreation and Parks Month and Durham Region Health Department, in partnership with the Durham Region municipalities and Durham Tourism, are excited to offer a passport adventure initiative for the second year in a row, benefiting residents across the region.

The passport adventure returns this year with many familiar free events throughout the month of June including public swimming, yoga by the lake, Zumba classes, as well as new sports additions such as baseball,...

Health Department celebrates World No Tobacco Day, May 31

Whitby, Ontario – May 31 is World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) and Durham Region Health Department will mark this event by reminding everyone that it’s never too late to quit smoking and bringing awareness of the harms of tobacco marketing that targets youth.

Vaping is an emerging trend among youth. As of 2020, research indicates that 17 per cent (5.2 million) of Canadians 15 years and older had tried vaping.

Researchers note that youth are at risk of becoming addicted to nicotine in e-cigarettes, as...

Medical Priority Dispatch System launches in Durham Region

Whitby, Ontario – Starting today, the Region of Durham Paramedic Services (RDPS) and Oshawa Central Ambulance Communications Centre (CACC) are implementing the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) to enhance how 9-1-1 medical emergencies are assessed and how paramedic services are deployed in the region.

With MPDS, people calling 9-1-1 will be asked more detailed questions by Ambulance Communications Officers to accurately determine the nature and urgency of the medical emergency. This will...