Northwestern Health Unit Public Health Alert – Increase in Cases of iGAS | 2026-01-29

Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) has seen an increase in invasive Group A Streptococcal (iGAS) disease cases in our region recently. Most cases have been identified in the Sioux Lookout health hub (including Northern First Nations) and Kenora areas, but are occurring around the region. Cases are being seen in all age ranges, with the majority in adults aged 30 and over.

https://www.nwhu.on.ca/public-health-alert-increase-in-cases-of-igas-4/

#OnObNWHU #NWHU #iGAS #GroupAStrep #Strep #GroupAStreptococcal #SiouxLookout #Kenora #Northwestern #Ontario #Canada

Northwestern Public Health Unit Alert:
Increase in Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD)

An increase in the number of cases of IPD in the Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) catchment area was noted in late winter and early spring. The rate of invasive pneumococcal disease is 3x higher in NWHU catchment area than Ontario as a whole.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that can cause infections in different parts of the body, including sinuses, ear, lungs, bloodstream, and brain. When it infects the bloodstream and brain, it is called Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD), which can lead to brain damage, blood stream infections, or even death.

https://www.nwhu.on.ca/media-releases/increase-in-invasive-pneumococcal-disease-ipd/

#OnObNWHU #NWHU #IPD #Northwestern #Ontario