Pesticide traps source of health concerns that shut down Vancouver Island school
Island Health says insect traps were likely the cause of a mysterious medical incident that affected several children and staff members at an elementary school on Vancouver Island earlier this week.
Ray Watkins Elementary School was abruptly shut down on Tuesday and Wednesday after some students and staff in two specific classrooms began developing hives, itchiness and runny eyes.
At least 10 students reported feeling symptoms, including five students and three teachers who went to the village's only health clinic as a precaution when their symptoms were first experienced Tuesday.
The school reopened on Thursday after it had been cleaned and ventilated, and Island Health thinks it has determined the cause of the event.
Several pesticide traps, specifically "roach bait gels," were placed in the classrooms where students reported feeling symptoms on Jan. 12.
"Vapours from the pesticide in these traps were the most likely source that caused some students and staff to experience symptoms," said Island Health in a statement on the School District 84 website on Thursday.
"No students or staff had direct contact with the pesticide but it acted as an irritant to them," adds Island Health.
The health authority says the pesticide traps have been removed, and now that the rooms have been cleaned and ventilated there's no risk of further exposure.
"Students and staff’s symptoms from brief exposure in the classroom will resolve on their own and without long-term effects," said Island Health.
SD84 says it's grateful for the work done by Island Health, as well as the Gold River Health Centre.
The school district also thanks parents and the community for their support and concern as the incident was investigated.
"Please be assured that SD84 will continue to work with the Island Health teams to ensure that this does not happen again," reads the school website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Thieves use stolen forklift to rip cash machine out of U.K. bank
Police in the U.K. are searching for a group of suspects seen on video using a forklift to steal a cash machine from a bank.
'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax
A tower crane operator alerted emergency crews after noticing a fire on a construction site in Halifax Tuesday morning.