Sexual Health Supplies—Product Integrity Concern

Cette information est seulement disponible en anglais.

To: Local Health Care Providers

Background

Sexual health supplies available to the public at Cambrian College between March 18 and April 1, 2026, have been reported to show signs of tampering—for example, visible holes in condom packages. Based on current information, this appears to be an isolated incident. Cambrian College has notified students. Health care providers are asked to support patient awareness, assessment, and referral, as appropriate.

Assessment and diagnosis

Sexual health supplies that are expired, damaged, opened, or otherwise compromised may pose health risks if used, as they may not function as intended and could increase the risk of sexually transmitted or blood-borne infections (STBBIs) or unintended pregnancy.

Treatment and management

Health care providers are encouraged to support patients who may have accessed compromised sexual health supplies by providing clinical assessment, counselling, and testing. Testing or investigation for these patients may include:

• HIV serology: Testing is recommended at baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks after possible exposure.
• Hepatitis B serology: Refer to the algorithms in Figure 1 or Figure 2 of the Canadian Immunization Guide: Hepatitis B Vaccine Chapter, as appropriate for your patient and the possible exposure.
• Hepatitis C: It may take 5 to 10 weeks for HCV antibodies to be detected following an exposure.
• Beta-HCG
• STI testing: Chlamydia or gonorrhea culture specimens collected within 48 hours of exposure may give falsely negative results; NAAT is preferred if testing within 48 hours of exposure. Syphilis serology is recommended at baseline, 3 weeks, and 3 months after possible exposure.

For patients eligible for post-exposure prophylaxis, refer to the following guidelines:

• HIV: Canadian guideline on HIV pre- and postexposure prophylaxis: 2025 update (Canadian Medical Association Journal)
• Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Alternatively, health care providers can refer patients to Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ Sexual Health Clinic. The Sexual Health Clinic provides free, confidential, and anonymous testing for HIV, STIs, and pregnancy. The clinic is located at Elm Place, 10 Elm Street, Unit 130. Walk‑in testing is offered Tuesday through Thursday.

• Drop-in appointments: Tuesday to Thursday, 8:30 to 11:15 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m.
• Scheduled appointments: Monday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Reporting to Public Health

Health care providers who are supporting patients who may have used compromised sexual health supplies, or who have questions related to this advisory, are encouraged to contact Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 for further guidance.

If there are general inquiries regarding the incident itself, please contact Cambrian College.

Sincerely,

Original Signed By

Emily Groot, MD, MPH, FRCPC (she/her)
Associate Medical Officer of Health