News Releases

HAMILTON, ON - Beginning the week of November 16, 2020, Hamilton Public Health Services is offering catch-up vaccine clinics for current Grade 8 students (born in 2007) who missed their Grade 7 vaccines due to COVID-19 school closures in the spring. These clinics will also offer vaccines to current Grade 7 students (born in 2008) who are currently due for their scheduled vaccines. Each school will be assigned a specific date and time for their clinic.

HAMILTON , ON - A batch of mosquitoes trapped this week in Hamilton tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). These are the first WNV positive mosquitos for Hamilton this year, prompting Hamilton’s Medical Officer of Health to move the WNV risk from low to moderate. Residents are reminded protect themselves against mosquito bites and to remove standing water from private property to prevent mosquito breeding.

HAMILTON, ON – The Medical Officer of Health has cancelled Heat Warning issued on July 19, 2019.

HAMILTON, ON - Public Health Services has confirmed the presence of toxin-producing blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) at the Bayfront Park Boat Launch, Pier 4,  Harbour West Marina, and throughout the marinas on Macassa Bay. Contact with blue-green algae should be avoided due to the potential health risks associated with it. Residents and visitors are advised to:

HAMILTON, ON – Yesterday evening, Hamilton City Council approved amendments to the City’s By-law No. 11-080 making all city parks, recreation centre and arena property including dog parks, sports fields, outdoor pools, beaches, as well as some trails in Hamilton smoke and vape-free beginning July 1, 2019. 

HAMILTON, ON - Public Health is investigating an increasing trend in the number of newly diagnosed HIV cases, and invasive Group A strep (iGAS) cases among people who inject drugs in Hamilton. In response to this concerning trend, public health staff and partner agencies are working to connect directly with individuals at highest risk of suffering harm in an effort to prevent the spread of illness and build pathways to treatment.

HAMILTON, ON –Hamilton is seeing increased flu activity, signalling the start of the local flu season. As of December 8, 56 cases of lab confirmed influenza have been reported so far this season. Of these cases, 52 are Influenza A and 4 Influenza B. Influenza activity to date is highest amongst young children under 5 years of age. This is similar to the trend seen across Canada. Pregnant women, babies, young children, and older adults (over 65) are at higher risk for developing serious complications and being hospitalized from the flu.

HAMILTON, ON – The City of Hamilton has received notice of a horse testing positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus. This is the first report of a horse testing positive for the virus in Hamilton. To date, there have been no reports of human illness caused by EEE virus in Hamilton.

HAMILTON , ON - The City of Hamilton has received confirmation of the first local human case of West Nile virus (WNV) this season prompting the Medical Officer of Health to move the WNV risk from moderate to high. City of Hamilton Public Health Services Environmental Health Division continues to see more West Nile Virus positive mosquitoes in the traps.