Public Health in Focus is a newsletter by Public Health Sudbury & Districts to inform our community on the public health issues of the day and is issued following our regular Board of Health meetings.
Words for Thought
June 2026
Unsafe food: A growing global health risk
The World Health Organization is highlighting the urgent need for stronger food safety measures, noting that unsafe food causes an estimated 866 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths each year, with young children most at risk. The report from the World Health Organization is a reminder of how much infectious agents and other contaminants of food impact health.
Globally, the study shows approximately 688 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost on average per 100 000 people, rising to over 1.5 million DALYs in central Africa. Thanks to strong food safety systems in Canada—including the critical role played by local public health at the consumer end of the food system to inspect the point of sale, as well as promote safe food handling at home—the burden of illness here is much less: under 300 DALYs per 100 000 (the lowest category in the WHO study). Nonetheless, Statistics Canada estimates that 4 million Canadians (1 in 8) are affected by foodborne illness each year, including 11 600 hospitalizations, and 238 deaths (Government of Canada).
Although food safety doesn’t get as much attention as other health topics, it remains of significant importance, and is a key way that local public health contributes to wellness in our communities. As Public Health navigates budget challenges, and is forced to make changes to food safety programs (for example, reducing frequency of some inspections in the 2025 budget), we will strive to make such changes cautiously, and with the mind that any curtailing of service is likely to have some negative impact on the health of the community as we scale back a system that sees us experiencing better health than the rest of the globe.
M. Mustafa Hirji MD, MPH, FRCPC
Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer
Need to do
Stay safe and healthy this summer
Warm weather is a great time to get outside, but it also brings some seasonal health risks. A few simple steps can help you and your family stay safe.
Protect yourself from heat and poor air quality
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol or caffeine.
- Plan outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day.
- Wear light, loose clothing and take breaks in the shade or indoors.
- Limit time outdoors and avoid strenuous activity when air quality is poor.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants ideally tucked into your socks, closed-toed shoes, or any special clothing designed to repel ticks.
- Use insect repellents that are approved by Health Canada and follow the application recommendations on the package.
- Do a full-body tick check after being outdoors and shower as soon as possible.
- Use an approved insect repellent and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Wear long sleeves and limit time outdoors at dusk and dawn.
- Remove standing water around your home to stop mosquitoes from breeding.
Taking small steps can make a big difference—helping you enjoy a safer, healthier summer.
Stay up to date with Public Health!
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Need to know
Our work is grounded by the strategic priorities of impactful relationships, equal opportunities for health, excellence in public health practice, and healthy and resilient workforce. Learn more about how we collaborate to improve population health, support awareness and advocacy, and demonstrate our accountability and effectiveness in our 2024-2028 Strategic Plan.
We establish relationships that lead to impactful partnerships, collaborations, and engagement.
June is National Indigenous History Month
A time to learn, reflect, take action and celebrate the accomplishments of Indigenous peoples. It is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the true history of Turtle Island and to recognize that Indigenous Peoples, cultures, languages, and rights are strong, present, and thriving.
At Public Health, this commitment is reflected in the Unlearning & Undoing White Supremacy and Racism Project. Through this work, staff, as well as Board of Health members, reflect on how systemic racism, bias, and colonization shape health and well-being. These conversations help build understanding, strengthen relationships, and improve how we support community health.
Everyone has a role to play in this journey. Members of the public are invited to take part through our Unlearning Club, a free resource available on our website, and start their journey on their own or with others.
By reflecting, learning, and having honest conversations, we can move from awareness to action and create lasting change/image.
We strive for health equity by championing equal opportunities for health.
Advancing health equity, fostering belonging
Public Health is committed to building a community where everyone feels safe, included, and valued. Supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ communities is an important part of advancing health equity—ensuring people can access services, feel a sense of belonging, and experience better health outcomes.
Creating inclusive, welcoming environments helps reduce stigma and strengthens community well-being. When people feel seen, respected, and supported in being their true selves, it has a direct impact on their health and well-being.
This Pride Season, we invite everyone to take action:
- Take time to learn more about 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and experiences.
- Support local Pride events or organizations in your community.
- Take one small step—such as using inclusive language or introducing your pronouns—to help create spaces where everyone feels included.
Together, we can strengthen health equity and build healthier communities for all.
We strive for ongoing excellence in local public health practice.
Strengthening immunization under the Child Care and Early Years Act
The Child Care and Early Years Act aims to ensure children’s health, safety, and well-being in child care centres.
Approximately 1000 notices have been sent to families of child care attendees, and immunization appointments are available across Public Health sites to support timely follow-up. Primary care providers are also being supported to manage increased demand, including reminders to place vaccine orders.
Resources for parents and guardians have been updated to make immunization requirements easier to understand and to simplify how families can access and update records through the province’s centralized immunization reporting system (ICON—Immunization Connect Ontario). Ongoing social media and engagement with licensed child care centres continue to build awareness and support accurate record-keeping.
These efforts improve access to immunization services, strengthen coordination across providers, and support timely immunizations. Together, this contributes to safer child care settings enabling children to thrive and learn in safety, as well as protecting the broader community from vaccine preventable diseases.
Protecting communities through vigilance and preparedness
Recent global events, including outbreaks of hantavirus and Ebola, highlight the critical role public health plays in protecting communities from emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. These situations serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, early detection, and strong infection prevention and control measures in responding to evolving health risks.
By staying informed, maintaining vigilance, and responding quickly to potential threats, public health and health care partners can help reduce risks and protect the health and well-being of communities.
Monitoring emerging infectious threats
The global hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship has come to an end in Ontario. All persons quarantining in Ontario have completed their isolation periods, and the risk in the province is currently very low. While Public Health Sudbury & Districts did not have to manage any individuals in quarantine, this is an example of effective public health action in Ontario.
Enhancing detection and response for respiratory illnesses
Legionella bacteria are commonly found in freshwater environments and can pose a risk when they grow in building water systems, such as cooling towers and plumbing systems. Legionnaires’ disease is not spread from person to person and can be prevented through proper system maintenance and monitoring.
Seasonal trends and activity in other areas highlight the need to stay alert. As temperatures rise, we are seeing increases in legionella infections in parts of Ontario, with two infections identified in our service area this year.
In response, Public Health issued an Advisory Alert to health care providers to support early detection, appropriate testing, and reporting. We continue to work with provincial partners and are well positioned to respond quickly to any potential infections or exposures, supporting informed and measured public health action.
Responding to global outbreaks
A large Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has raised global concern and prompted proactive communications to support awareness and preparedness.
Ebola virus disease is a rare but very severe illness that spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of someone who is infected. The current outbreak is centred in rural parts of eastern DRC. As of June 22, 2026, there have been 1023 confirmed infections and 201 suspected infections, with 256 deaths and 114 recoveries reported.
One concern is the potential for travel-related spread to other areas. This has already occurred in Uganda, where infections linked to the DRC have been identified. However, strong public health measures have helped prevent wider spread within Uganda. Given the low geographic connectivity of Sudbury and districts to the eastern parts of the DRC, the risk to our area is very low.
While risks remain low in our area, continued vigilance and monitoring if the virus spreads to areas more connected to us will help keep communities safe and prepared.
See how our work supports a healthier community
Explore our latest activity metrics report and see the wide range of everyday agency services and public health work that impacts your community.