RESPIRATORY VIRUS CASES IN ONTARIO

(December 8–14, 2024)

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Department of Health is sharing the following information to keep community members informed about respiratory virus activity in Ontario.

According to the Ontario Laboratory Information System, the most recent data on respiratory illnesses in Ontario includes:

• 1,530 cases of COVID-19
• 421 cases of Influenza A
• 16 cases of Influenza B
• 9 Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) outbreaks

Public Health Ontario reports that episodes of respiratory viruses are expected to increase in the coming weeks. The risk of severe illness is categorized as very high among the pediatric population and high among adults.

How to Protect Yourself and Others:

• Stay up to date with your COVID-19 and flu vaccines.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles and counters.
• Optimize indoor air quality, such as by using an air purifier.
• If you’re at high risk, consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces.
• Stay home if you’re feeling unwell until your fever has resolved and other symptoms improve for 24 hours (48 hours for gastrointestinal symptoms).

Taking these steps can reduce your risk of illness and help protect those around you.

For more information or to schedule your vaccine, please call Community Health at 613-575-2341 ext. 3220.