Infectious diseases are a continuing concern for everyone as they can cause serious health problems. Infectious diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi. The spread of infectious disease can come from direct or indirect contact from one person to another. Vaccines and hand washing are the best defense against Infectious diseases.
Over the years a reduction in diseases have been effectively controlled by the introduction and use of vaccines, improved sanitation and infection prevention and control strategies like hand washing and cough etiquette. Immunization has saved more lives in Canada than any other health intervention and contributed to the reduced numbers of ill people and deaths caused by Infectious diseases.
A number of diseases are reportable to Public Health so that those who are ill can receive further information.
People can take help to protect themselves from getting sick by practicing good hand washing and knowing what vaccines they need to help them stay well.
Public Health has a number of programs and services in place to prevent and reduce Infectious diseases. Some examples include:
- Vaccination clinics for routine and travel-related
- Infection prevention and control
- Food safety and food handler certification
- Region-wise pandemic planning
- Conducting surveillance and communicating with health care sector
- Infectious disease counselling
Top 5 Reportable Infectious Diseases
Top 5 reportable infectious disease in Niagara region
| |
Reportable Diseases |
| 1 |
Hepatitis C |
| 2 |
Food poisoning, all causes |
| 3 |
Campylobacter enteritis |
| 4 |
Influenza |
| 5 |
Salmonellosis |
Source: Reportable Diseases, 2008, Integrated Public Health
Information System (iPhis),
Obtained from Cognos ReportNet 2.1. Extracted: March 2009.
In Niagara region Public Health programs works closely together to eliminate or minimize the occurrence and impact of infectious diseases within Niagara. Above are the top five reportable Infectious diseases. As shown in the above table, Hepatitis C is the most common reportable infectious disease in Niagara region.
Flu Shot Coverage
Total flu shot coverage for those 12+ years in Niagara and Ontario
Source: Canadian Community Health Survey 4.1, 2007,
Statistics Canada, Share File, Ontario MOHLTC.
In Ontario, Influenza continues to be a major cause of preventable illness and death. Influenza viruses are highly contagious respiratory illnesses. Approximately half (52.1%) of the Niagara region population (aged 12 years +) received their flu shot. This matches the Ontario average for total flu shot coverage.
Groups at increased risk for Influenza complications include the elderly, immuno-compromised and persons with chronic medical conditions. On average, 500-1,500 deaths every year are due to Influenza alone.
Flu shot coverage by age group in the last year
| |
% who received flu shot (ages 12-64) |
% who received flu shot (ages 65+) |
| Niagara |
53.7%* |
79.9%* |
| Ontario |
51.0% |
86.2% |
* Significantly different from Ontario
Source: Canadian Community Health Survey 4.1, 2007, Statistics Canada, Share File, Ontario MOHLTC.
Last year, among those aged 12-64 years of age, more Niagara region residents reported receiving a flu shot compared to Ontario residents (53.7% versus 51.0%).
Among those 65 years of age and older, the opposite result is seen; Ontario has a higher percentage of residents who received a flu shot in the last year (86.2%) than Niagara (79.9%).
Sometimes with elderly persons or persons with a weakened immune system, the level and length of time of vaccine protection is not quite as good as with healthy children or younger adults but it still helps to prevent Pneumonia or other serious medical complications, hospital admission and even death (Niagara Region Public Health).
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