Health and Social Services Responds to Skin Infections in Colville Lake

Communiqués de presse

Yellowknife (January 25, 2013) – The Departments of Health and Social Services and the Sahtu Health and Social Services Authority have responded to an increased rate of skin infections  in Colville Lake

“I am pleased with the coordinated response from health care officials including home support, nurse practitioners and physicians and local authority staff. It is encouraging to see a team effort mobilize and respond,” said Minister of Health and Social Services, Tom Beaulieu.

“We have introduced treatment plans to those infected in order to help control the outbreak of the skin infections in Colville Lake” said Sahtu MLA, Norman Yakeleya.

These infections can be caused by common skin bacteria that enter under the skin through minor cuts or breaks that result from other common conditions such as eczema, insect bites, diaper rashes or scabies.

The Department of Health and Social Services and the Sahtu Health and Social Services Authority have provided Environmental Health Support, Nurse Practitioner, Physicians and individualized treatment plans for those affected. The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer is monitoring the infections and will continue to provide additional support as and when required.

For more information contact:

Damien Healy
Manager, Planning and Communications
Department of Health and Social Services
Tel: (867) 920-8927
Email: damien_healy@gov.nt.ca

Danielle Mager
Public Affairs & Communications Advisor
Legislative Assembly
Tel: (867) 669-2230
Email: danielle_mager@gov.nt.ca