Okanagan health workers increasing awareness of drug overdoses - Global News

ChathamBy Paul PedroOctober 14, 2026 - 3:30pmChatham-Kent (CK) Public Health has issued an alert warning the community about an increase in drug overdoses and unexpected reactions to substances in Chatham‑Kent. The health unit reported CK EMS responded to 13 suspected opioid overdose calls between Friday and Tuesday, exceeding the community's usual rate of opioid-related emergency calls. "The alert comes after Windsor-Essex issued two public drug poisoning alerts over the past two weeks," CK Public Health said. "Chatham-Kent has historically seen increases in suspected drug poisonings in the weeks following similar alerts in neighbouring jurisdictions, highlighting the importance of increased community awareness and harm reduction measures at this time. "According to CK public health officials, local partners have noted increased use of naloxone, strong sedation, and concerns about a highly toxic drug supply. "This serves as an important reminder that the unregulated drug supply is unpredictable and always changing. Substances may not be what individuals expect, increasing the risk of harm or death," CK Public Health added.

The Department of Health(DH) urged on Wednesday the public to maintain hygiene, as cases of the local hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) increased recentlyThe Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the DH will issue letters to schools today, updating them on the latest situation regarding HFMD. Schools and institutions are required to report any outbreak to the CHP immediately. The CHP's latest surveillance data recorded eight outbreaks in institutions and schools, affecting 27 persons, per week in mid-September. The number of HFMD outbreaks increased gradually to 12 outbreaks, 11 outbreaks, and 20 outbreaks per week in the past three weeks. From this Sunday to Tuesday, nine outbreaks affecting 24 persons have been reported. Ninety percent of the outbreaks occurred in Child Care Centers, Kindergartens and primary schools. HFMD is a common disease in children caused by enteroviruses (EVs) such as Coxsackie virus and EV71. HFMD occurs throughout the year in Hong Kong, with the usual peak occurring from May to July and October to December. It usually causes mild symptoms, fever, poor appetite, fatigue, and sore throat, followed by painful mouth sores that may ulcerate.

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WindsorThe Windsor-Essex Community Opioid and Substance Strategy (WECOSS) says 30 opioid overdoses were reported through emergency department visits between Sept. 27 and Oct. 3. Overdoses were reported between Sept. 27 and Oct. 3Desmond Brown · CBC News · Posted: Oct 05, 2026 6:22 PM EDT | Last Updated: October 6Listen to this articleEstimated 2 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results. The Windsor-Essex Community Opioid and Substance Strategy (WECOSS) says 30 opioid overdoses were reported through emergency department visits between Sept. 27 and Oct. 3. (Eric Baradat/AFP/Getty Images)A high number of opioid overdoses reported last week have prompted a health alert from a community‑based partnership working to prevent and reduce substance‑related harms in Windsor‑Essex. The Windsor-Essex Community Opioid and Substance Strategy (WECOSS) says 30 opioid overdoses were reported through emergency department visits between Sept. 27 and Oct. 3. Of those cases, 17 involved fentanyl, according to WECOSS.

As global temperatures rise, aging prisons across the country face the same problem—how to protect people who have little control over where or how they cool down. (AP Video/Mark Vancleave and Ellen Schmidt)