Health officials declare outbreak of rare but deadly disease among unhoused people on Vancouver Island
A rare but deadly disease is spreading rapidly among unhoused people on Vancouver Island, prompting the regional health authority to declare an outbreak.
Eight cases of Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) have been confirmed in Victoria, Nanaimo and Parksville since late 2021, according to health officials.
Of the eight cases, one has been fatal, and the disease has spread most rapidly in the past two months, Island Health says.
"This outbreak has been occurring in people experiencing homelessness, unstable housing, or supportive housing and who use substances, including drugs that are inhaled," an Island Health spokesperson said Tuesday
"Hib can cause serious and life-threatening infections including meningitis, an infection of the lining that covers the brain. Hib can also cause septicemia, an infection of the blood. Permanent complications of infection include brain damage and deafness."
Despite having "influenza" in its name, Hib is not the same as the common flu. Most people exposed to the bacteria will not get sick from it, especially those who are vaccinated as children, the health authority says.
"Prior to this year, rates of Hib have been extremely low for the past decade (between 0-1 cases per year) due to excellent control through the universal childhood vaccination program," according to Island Health.
Those who have been infected on Vancouver Island range in age from their mid-20s to their 70s, with the average age of 48 years old, according to health officials.
The health authority says risk to the general public is low. People at risk of contracting the disease are encouraged to get vaccinated and officials are now offering vaccines to at-risk people where cases have been confirmed.
"Immunization is provided through Island Health outreach nursing, and some primary care and social service partners in the urban centres who work with people experiencing homelessness/unstable housing or use services for this population," Island Health says.
Drug-users are advised to avoid sharing drug paraphernalia or cigarettes with others. Frequent hand washing, sanitizing and wound care are also recommended to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
In his new book 'As Long as You Need', hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.