Drug warning: Increase in suspected drug poisonings (overdoses)

The Community Drug Strategies have received reports of an increase in the number of drug poisonings (overdoses) and unexpected reactions from the use of substances in the Sudbury and districts area.

While we cannot confirm the substance(s) causing the overdoses, this situation serves as an important reminder to the community that street drugs may be cut or mixed with substances such as benzos (benzodiazepines), xylazine, fentanyl, or carfentanil. More toxic substances may be circulating locally, and these substances are causing increased sedation and harm.

An overdose occurs when a person uses a substance and their body is unable to handle the effects. As a result, the brain is unable to control basic life functions. The person might pass out, stop breathing, or experience a seizure. Overdoses can be fatal and non-fatal.

Prevent overdoses to save lives:

Opioid overdose symptoms include:

Stimulant overdose symptoms include:

Due to benzodiazepines (benzos) toxicity, an overdose may last for hours and look like:

How to respond to an overdose:

Where to get naloxone?

For a free naloxone kit, contact The Point at Public Health Sudbury & Districts, Réseau Access Network, or ask your local hospital or pharmacy. Or, visit www.ontario.ca/page/get-naloxone-kits-free.

Be cautious if using drugs and please distribute this information widely to help save lives.


This item was last modified on July 17, 2024

Swimming advisory lifted: Greater Sudbury – July 17, 2024

Public Health Sudbury & Districts has removed the swimming advisory signs at the following beach:

The most recent water samples taken at the beach by Public Health Sudbury & Districts are within acceptable levels of bacteria for bathing beaches. As a result, the beach water quality is once again considered suitable for recreational use.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts takes routine water samples regularly during the summer from 34 local beaches. For information about beach water quality, visit our beach water testing results webpage.


This item was last modified on July 17, 2024

Swimming advisory issued: Greater Sudbury – July 16, 2024

A swimming advisory has been issued for the following beach:

As a result of routine water samples exceeding the acceptable bacteria levels, Public Health Sudbury & Districts has posted swimming advisory signs to inform the public that the beach water quality is not suitable for recreational use at this time at Amphitheatre Beach – Ramsey Lake, Greater Sudbury.

A swimming advisory is a precautionary notice that informs the public about specific risks to health and safety.

“Going into the water when bacteria are present in high concentrations puts bathers at risk for infections. Illness can occur if swimmers swallow beach water; if water gets into their ears, eyes, or nose; or if it comes in contact with open wounds,” said Cindy Rocca, a manager with Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ Health Protection Division.

Monitoring of the beach front has been enhanced and samples will be taken daily until bacterial levels return to safe numbers. Public Health Sudbury & Districts will notify the public when the bathing beach is safe for swimming again. For information about beach water quality, visit our beach water testing results webpage.


This item was last modified on July 16, 2024

Heat warning: July 12, 2024

With hot, humid weather in the forecast for the next few days, Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a heat warning within Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ service area beginning Friday, July 12, 2024, for the following locations:

Heat warnings are issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada when the forecast rises for two days to 29 degrees Celsius or above during the day and 18 degrees Celsius or above at night, or the humidex is 36 or above.

Continuous exposure to high levels of heat can lead to dehydration and illnesses such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat fainting, heat edema (swelling of hands, feet and ankles), heat rash, heat cramps (muscle cramps), and even death. People who are most at risk include, older adults, infants and young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, people who are homeless, people who use alcohol or illicit drugs, and those who work or exercise in the heat. Those who take medications or have a health condition should consult their doctor or pharmacist to determine if they are at increased risk from the heat and follow their recommendations.

“Although some individuals are at higher risk, anyone can suffer from heat-related illnesses,” said Jonathan Groulx, a manager with Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ Health Protection Division. “Everyone should take precautions.”

Tips to prevent heat-related illness:

Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness. They include dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, rapid breathing and heartbeat, extreme thirst, and decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine. If you or someone in your care experiences these symptoms, contact a health care professional. In emergencies, call 911.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts offers information on beating the heat in apartment buildings, keeping your pets safe, doing outdoor activities in heat and smog, and keeping your children safe during hot weather.

Call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) or visit phsd.ca for more information.


This item was last modified on July 11, 2024

Swimming advisories issued: Greater Sudbury, Manitoulin Island – July 11, 2024

Swimming advisories have been issued for the following beaches:

As a result of routine water samples exceeding acceptable levels of bacteria, Public Health Sudbury & Districts has posted swimming advisory signs to inform the public that the beach water quality is not suitable for recreational use at this time.

A swimming advisory is a precautionary notice that informs the public about specific risks to health and safety.

“Going into the water when bacteria are present in high concentrations puts bathers at risk for infections. Illness can occur if swimmers swallow beach water; if water gets into their ears, eyes, or nose; or if it comes in contact with open wounds,” said Cindy Rocca, a manager with Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ Health Protection Division.

Monitoring of the affected beach fronts have been enhanced and samples will be taken daily until bacterial levels return to safe numbers.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts will notify the public when the bathing beaches are safe for swimming again. For information about beach water quality, visit our beach water testing results webpage.


This item was last modified on July 11, 2024

Heat warning extended: June 19, 2024

Heat warning extended for the following locations:

The heat warning, which began Monday, June 17, 2024, is being extended given the hot, humid weather in the forecast. Heat warnings are extended when the weather stays at 29 degrees Celsius or above during the day and 18 degrees Celsius or above at night, or the humidex reaches 36 or above.

“Frequently check on your friends, neighbours, and relatives, especially if they are at higher risk of heat-related illness to ensure that they are staying cool and hydrated,” said Burgess Hawkins, a manager with Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ Health Protection Division.

Continuous exposure to high levels of heat can lead to dehydration and illnesses such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat fainting, heat edema (swelling of hands, feet and ankles), heat rash, heat cramps (muscle cramps), and even death. People who are at higher risk include, older adults, infants and young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, people who are homeless, people who use alcohol or illicit drugs, and those who work or exercise in the heat. Those who take medications or have a health condition should consult their doctor or pharmacist to determine if they are at increased risk from the heat and follow their recommendations.

Symptoms of heat-related illness include dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, rapid breathing and heartbeat, extreme thirst, and decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine. If you or someone in your care experiences these symptoms, contact a health care professional. In emergencies, call 911.

Take precautions and stay cool during this time of high temperatures. Take a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place, for example, in a tree-shaded area, swimming facility, or an air-conditioned public building such as a shopping mall, grocery store, place of worship, public library, or home of a family member or friend. Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration. Avoid sun exposure by shading yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or using an umbrella, and wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts offers information on beating the heat in apartment buildings, keeping your pets safe, doing outdoor activities in heat and smog, and keeping your children safe during hot weather.

For more information on heat warnings and preventing heat-related illness, please call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) or visit phsd.ca.


This item was last modified on June 19, 2024

Avoid heat-related illness with rising summer heat

As hot, humid weather arrives, Public Health Sudbury & Districts is reminding the public that anyone can experience heat exhaustion and heat stroke. People who are most at risk include older adults, infants and young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, people who are homeless, people who use alcohol or illicit drugs, and those who work or exercise in the heat. Those who take medications or have a health condition should consult their doctor or pharmacist to determine if they are at increased risk from the heat and follow their recommendations.

Early summer is a time of increased risk from heat because your body has not yet adapted to the heat.

Tips to prevent heat-related illness include:

Tips for children:

Signs and symptoms of heat-related illness:

If you or someone in your care has these symptoms, contact a health care professional for help. In emergencies, call 911.

As part of the Hot Weather Response Plan, prepared by the City of Greater Sudbury and Public Health Sudbury & Districts, information is provided to keep the public safe from hot, humid weather. Public Health Sudbury & Districts offers information on beating the heat in apartment buildings, keeping your pets safe, doing outdoor activities in heat and smog, and keeping your children safe during hot weather.

Call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) or visit www.phsd.ca for more information.


This item was last modified on June 14, 2024

Blastomycosis—What you need to know to protect yourself

Blastomycosis is a rare infection caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis. Exposure occurs by inhaling airborne fungal spores or by the fungus entering a scrape or cut. Farmers, forestry workers, hunters, gardeners, and cottagers may be exposed to the fungus if contaminated soil or rotting wood gets disturbed.  The fungus is found in moist acidic soil in parts of Northern Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Quebec, as well as other areas around the Great Lakes and Mississippi Valley. Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ service area is considered an endemic area for the fungus that causes blastomycosis.

Although this is a rare infection, it is important to take precautions to reduce exposure to the fungus when working in moist soil areas, such as under the house, cottage, porch, or shed.

Simple precautions include wearing:

The symptoms of blastomycosis can be similar to influenza or pneumonia, and can consist of the following:

“Symptoms can present 3 weeks to almost 4 months after being exposed,” said Adam Ranger, an environmental support officer with Public Health Sudbury & Districts. “If you have been to an endemic area, and are suffering from any of these symptoms, please let your health care provider know you may have been exposed to the fungus.” If the infection is left untreated, blastomycosis may be fatal.

For more information on blastomycosis, please visit our website at phsd.ca or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).


This item was last modified on June 6, 2024

Drug warning: Increase in suspected drug poisonings (overdoses)

The Community Drug Strategies have received reports of an increase in the number of drug poisonings (overdoses) and unexpected reactions from the use of substances in the Sudbury and districts area.

While we cannot confirm the specific substance(s) responsible for the recent overdoses, this situation serves as an important reminder to the community and underscores the critical message to our community that stimulants such as cocaine and other synthetic drugs such as MDMA (also known as molly) might be cut and mixed with substances such as benzodiazepines (benzos), xylazine, fentanyl, or carfentanil. 

An overdose occurs when a person uses a substance and their body is unable to handle the effects. As a result, the brain is unable to control basic life functions. The person might pass out, stop breathing, or experience a seizure. Overdoses can be fatal and non-fatal.

Prevent overdoses to save lives:

Opioid overdose symptoms include:

Stimulant overdose symptoms include:

Due to benzodiazepines (benzos) toxicity, an overdose may last for hours and look like:

How to respond to an overdose:

Where to get naloxone?

For a free naloxone kit, contact The Point at Public Health Sudbury & Districts, Réseau Access Network, or ask your local hospital or pharmacy. Or, visit www.ontario.ca/page/get-naloxone-kits-free.

Be cautious if using drugs and please distribute this information widely to help save lives.


This item was last modified on May 23, 2024

Be Water Safe! Be Water Smart! Public Health Sudbury & Districts urges water safety awareness

With warm weather arriving, Public Health Sudbury & Districts is reminding those that enjoy spending time on and around our many lakes, rivers, and streams to “Be Water Safe! Be Water Smart!”. Knowing how to be safe and smart in and around the water can save lives.

“Our service area has the largest freshwater island in the world, Manitoulin Island. We are also fortunate to live among many lakes and rivers and are reminding people to be prepared and aware of the risks, whether boating, swimming, or simply enjoying the shoreline,” said Stephanie Gray, a public health nurse.

In 2022, there were 8 emergency department visits that resulted from a near-drowning or submersion injury in Sudbury and districts. Tragically, in 2021, there were 6 deaths from injuries due to drowning and submersion in Sudbury and districts.

“The Ontario government is taking steps to increase the safety of anglers on the waterways this summer. Conservation officers with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry will be out patrolling the waterways ensuring compliance with public safety and natural resource laws,” said Iain McGale, Acting Staff Sergeant, Sudbury Enforcement Unit, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

Here are some suggestions for having a great day on or around the water and to reduce near-drownings and drownings:

Be prepared

Know the rules

Community partners have come together to improve water safety on Manitoulin Island through the Manitoulin Partners for Water Safety. Manitoulin Partners for Water Safety is a collaborative effort between Municipality of Central Manitoulin, Town of Northeastern Manitoulin & the Islands, Township of Assiginack, Assiginack Family Health Team, Mnaamodzawin Health Services, Ontario Provincial Police, Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB Paramedic Services, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and Public Health Sudbury & Districts.

For more information on water safety, visit phsd.ca/safety or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).


This item was last modified on January 13, 2025

Remember to do a tick check!

With spring upon us and people enjoying the outdoors, Public Health Sudbury & Districts reminds you to protect yourself and your family against tick bites.

Blacklegged ticks, commonly called deer ticks, have been found in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts. Infected blacklegged ticks can spread Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. “People enjoying the outdoors need to check for ticks immediately after activities like gardening or hiking. This is one of the simplest ways you can protect yourself from Lyme disease,” said Ashley DeRocchis, an environmental support officer with Public Health Sudbury & Districts.

In addition to doing a tick check, to prevent tick bites:

If you find a tick on a human, follow these steps to remove it as soon as possible:

Symptoms of Lyme disease can include fever, headache, chills, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, and an expanding circular rash that resembles a bullseye. If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause serious complications to the heart, joints, and nervous system. If you develop any of these symptoms, follow up with your health care provider or pharmacist to determine if you need treatment.

For more information on Lyme disease and ticks, call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) or visit www.phsd.ca.


This item was last modified on May 8, 2024

Drug warning: Increase in suspected drug poisonings (overdoses)

The Community Drug Strategies have received reports of an increase in the number of drug poisonings (overdoses) and unexpected reactions from the use of substances in the Sudbury and districts area.

While we cannot confirm the substance(s) causing the overdoses, this situation serves as an important reminder to the community that street drugs may be cut or mixed with substances such as benzos (benzodiazepines), xylazine, fentanyl, or carfentanil. Frontline workers warn that more toxic substances may be circulating locally.

An overdose occurs when a person uses a substance and their body is unable to handle the effects. As a result, the brain is unable to control basic life functions. The person might pass out, stop breathing, or experience a seizure. Overdoses can be fatal and non-fatal. Some of the drug poisonings reported recently have been resistant to naloxone. We would like to stress the importance of giving naloxone, calling for help, and providing CPR and rescue breathing until help arrives if you suspect an overdose. Naloxone will help reverse an opioid overdose and will do no harm if the overdose is not related to opioids.

Prevent overdoses to save lives:

Opioid overdose symptoms include:

Stimulant overdose symptoms include:

Due to benzodiazepines (benzos) toxicity, an overdose may last for hours and look like:

How to respond to an overdose:

Where to get naloxone?

For a free naloxone kit, contact The Point at Public Health Sudbury & Districts, Réseau Access Network, or ask your local hospital or pharmacy. Or, visit www.ontario.ca/page/get-naloxone-kits-free.

Be cautious if using drugs and please distribute this information widely to help save lives.


This item was last modified on April 25, 2024