New Respiratory Illness Dashboard Launches - What You Need to Know!

In an important move to keep the community informed, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health has unveiled a new comprehensive respiratory illness dashboard on its official website. This resource aims to provide timely updates on critical respiratory illnesses, specifically focusing on COVID-19, influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

The data will be refreshed every Tuesday, ensuring that residents have access to the latest information. In a recent update covering the week of September 22 to 28, health officials reported two new cases of COVID-19. Fortunately, there were no new cases of influenza or RSV during this period.

Hospitalizations related to COVID-19 have shown a positive decline, with eight individuals currently receiving treatment—down from twelve the previous week. However, one patient is currently hospitalized due to the flu, highlighting the ongoing risks posed by seasonal illnesses.

Emergency departments have seen an uptick in visits, with 300 individuals seeking care for respiratory issues, compared to 247 the week prior. This increase underscores the need for vigilance as respiratory illnesses become more prevalent, especially with the changing seasons.

This week, health authorities confirmed two new COVID-19 outbreaks, raising the total to six active outbreaks in the region. Alarmingly, five of these outbreaks are occurring in long-term care or retirement homes, while the remaining outbreak is situated in the Quinte 5 unit at Belleville General Hospital.

It is crucial to note that the data presented only reflects the cases reported to public health officials, meaning the actual number of infections in the community may be significantly higher.

Stay informed and stay safe! For more details, check out the new respiratory dashboard on Hastings Prince Edward Public Health’s website. This convenient tool is your best resource for staying updated on respiratory health trends and protecting yourself and your loved ones in the community.