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May is Rabies Awareness Month

All animal bites, scratches must be reported to Health Department

Whitby, Ontario – May is Rabies Awareness Month, and Durham Region Health Department is reminding educators, health care providers, veterinarians, police services and all residents to report any animal bites or scratches involving humans to the Health Department. Rabies is most commonly found in bats, foxes, skunks and raccoons; therefore, avoiding contact with these animals is essential. The rabies virus can be transmitted...

May marks National Lyme Disease Awareness Month

Health Department urges everyone to take precautions against tick bites

Whitby, Ontario – As the weather warms up and outdoor activities increase, Durham Region Health Department reminds everyone to take precautions against tick bites which can lead to Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections.

Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which can be transmitted through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. Blacklegged ticks are widespread across Durham Region, especially...

Health Department begins 2026 West Nile virus surveillance program

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Region Health Department will begin its West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance and control program for the 2026 season between May 11 and June 8. This program includes surveillance for larval mosquito activity, administering larvicide in catch basins and surface water sites, and adult mosquito trapping to test for WNV throughout Durham Region.

As a reminder, the Health Department will no longer mail forms to private property owners for owners to request larviciding of catch...

Health Department investigating additional case of measles in Durham Region

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Region Health Department has received confirmation of an additional case of measles related to a previous exposure site. This highlights the importance of providing measles exposure information to the public. This brings the total to four confirmed cases in Durham Region.

The Health Department is following up with identifiable contacts who may have been exposed to the measles virus. The members of the public may have been exposed at the following locations. These...

Health Department investigating two new confirmed cases of measles in Durham Region

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Region Health Department has received confirmation of two additional cases of measles in local unimmunized children. This brings the total to three confirmed cases, all of which reside in one household.

The Health Department is investigating and following up directly with known contacts in Durham Region who may have been exposed to the measles virus.

The Health Department’s investigation into the two new measles cases has determined that members of the public may have been...