Category Archive: Uncategorized

What you need to know about shigellosis

Shigellosis is a disease of the intestines caused by bacteria called Shigella. Cases are rising in Alberta and those who are unhoused or unsheltered are being disproportionately affected.

Causes

Shigellosis is spread when the bacteria in feces (stool) or on soiled fingers are ingested. The illness is highly infectious and can also be spread from person to person.

Transmission typically occurs by eating contaminated foods, which become infected when:

• handled with poor hygiene
• washed with water contaminated with feces

Other risk factors for contracting Shigellosis:

• drinking contaminated liquids, such as water from rivers, lakes, and other coastal waters
• sexual oral-anal contact; outbreaks have occurred among men who have sex with men

Symptoms

Shigellosis usually lasts 5 to 7 days. Some people who are infected may have no symptoms at all but may still spread shigellosis to others.

• diarrhea (often bloody)
• nausea and vomiting
• fever
• stomach cramps starting 1 or 2 days after you are exposed to the bacteria.

Prevention

• Washing your hands frequently and carefully with soap
• Avoid swallowing water while swimming.
• Take care if changing diapers

Treatment

If you are experiencing symptoms of shigellosis, please seek medical attention right away. Antibiotics and proper hydration can help treat shigellosis. Contact BTDH Community Health if you have questions at 403-737-3933.

Back-to-School: The Importance of Immunization Consents

As the new school year approaches, it’s essential to ensure that our children are not only prepared with the right supplies and mindset but also protected against preventable diseases. Immunizations play a critical role in safeguarding the health of our children and the broader community.

The BTDH Community Health Immunization Consent forms allow our community health nurses to administer vaccines that protect against serious illnesses. With your consent, a public health nurse will give your child the recommended vaccines at school. Vaccines in this program may include:

• Grade 9: Tdap and MenC-ACYW vaccine.”
• Grades 1, 6, and 9: Any routine childhood and school vaccines that your child may have missed according to their immunization record on file. This could include vaccines such as Tdap-IPV, MMR, MMR-Var, and PneumoC-20.
• Grade 6: Hepatitis B vaccine for children who have not already completed a hepatitis B series and HPV-9 vaccine.

Influenza vaccines are available to all community members six months and older. Please call 403-737-3933 for more information on availability.

Your child will not get any vaccines at school unless you have signed and returned the consent form included in the information package. Without these vaccinations, children are at risk of contracting and spreading diseases that can have severe consequences.

By signing the consent forms, you are not only protecting your child but also contributing to the overall health of the community. Vaccinations help create herd immunity, which is especially important for those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons. When the majority of our community is immunized, it reduces the spread of disease, protecting everyone, especially the most vulnerable.

We understand that the start of the school year is a busy time, but signing the consent forms for your child’s immunizations is a simple step that has long-lasting benefits. Our team has now made it easier for parents to provide consent: simply call 403-737-3933 to provide verbal consent.

By taking a few moments to complete this process, you ensure that your child can receive their vaccinations at school without any delays or complications. Immunizations are a key part of your child’s health care. Be sure to review the immunization schedule and consult our community health team if you have any questions or concerns.

FIRE BAN IN EFFECT – BLOOD TRIBE RESERVE

Attention Blood Tribe Community Members:

Due to the recent increase in temperature and lack of precipitation, Blood Tribe Emergency Services has issued a FIRE BAN effective immediately across the reserve.

What is Prohibited:

• Recreational Campfires: All outdoor fires used for camping or leisure.
• Burning of Garbage or Other Materials: This includes the use of burn barrels.
• Fireworks: All types of fireworks are strictly prohibited.
• Improper Cigarette Disposal: Careless disposal of cigarette butts is dangerous and prohibited.

What is Allowed:

• Cultural Events: This includes but is not limited to Sundance societies, lodge fires, sweats, and smudging.
  • Important: Please contact the Fire Department before any cultural events with details about the location, date/time, and approximate duration.

Why This Ban is Important:

Fire bans are put into place during periods of high fire risk, such as during hot, dry weather conditions. When vegetation is especially flammable, there’s a greater risk of uncontrolled fires. These can cause significant damage to natural landscapes, residential areas, and even pose a threat to human lives. Following fire bans is essential to protect our community and preserve our environment.

Duration:

The fire ban will remain in effect until further notice.

In Case of Fire:

If you see a fire, immediately call 9-1-1.

For further inquiries regarding the fire ban or to inform about an upcoming cultural event, please contact the Firehall at 403-737-2102.

Stay safe and thank you for your cooperation.