Visit our avian flu page.
Infection and Disease
Public Health monitors more than 60 reportable diseases and infections of public health significance in Waterloo Region.
Infectious Disease Reports Preventing Infections Vaccines Info for Health Care Providers
There are many different types of cancer. When cells divide uncontrollably and begin to form lumps or tumours, they can interfere with how the body functions. Many cancers can be prevented with making healthier lifestyle choices.
Region of Waterloo Public Health does not provide cancer screening services. For information, check the following websites:
Visit our COVID-19 page.
Diphtheria is a serious, preventable disease of the nose, throat and skin. It is passed to others through coughing and sneezing. It causes sore throat, fever and chills. It can lead to breathing problems, heart failure and nerve damage. Antibiotic resistance makes diphtheria difficult to treat.
The diphtheria vaccine is required for school-aged children in Ontario. The vaccine is usually combined with vaccines for other diseases, like tetanus and pertussis.
Ebola is a deadly disease that causes hemorrhagic fever in humans and animals and is spread through direct contact with the blood, body fluids or tissues of an infected person.
Group A streptococcus (Strep) bacteria are commonly found in the nose and throat and on the skin, especially in children. It can cause illnesses such as "strep" throat, scarlet fever and skin infections (impetigo or cellulitis). In rare instances it can cause more serious infections in previously healthy persons.
Haemophilus Influenza B Disease (Hib)
Haemophilus Influenza B (Hib) does not cause influenza. Hib infections are serious but preventable. Hib may lead to meningitis or may cause a serious infection of the throat near the voice box. This infection is called epiglottitis. This can make it difficult for the child to breathe. Hib can also cause infections of the lungs, bones and joints.
The Hib vaccine is available and usually given as part of a combined vaccine with other diseases. Learn about the DTaP-IPV-Hib vaccine.
Visit our Hepatitis page.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system. If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). AIDS is a set of symptoms, not a virus. When someone has AIDS their immune system is too weak to fight off infections.
For information on HIV testing and PreP, visit Sexual Health Services.
For more details about HIV, including information about prevention and treatment, visit CATIE and Health Canada's HIV and AIDS page.
Visit our HPV page.
Visit our Flu page.
Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD)
Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD) is a severe form of infection caused by the Streptococcus Pneumoniae bacteria. It is spread from person to person by direct contact with respiratory secretions, like saliva or mucus. The best prevention is vaccination.
Learn about pneumococcal conjugate vaccines.
Visit our Lyme disease page.
Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.
Visit our measles page.
Visit our meningitis page.
People who meet the provincial criteria for vaccination to prevent mpox infection can book an appointment through the links below or can complete this form to request a call back from Public Health.
- Please book only one appointment per person
- If there are no more available appointments, please check back later as we continue to add more appointments based on vaccine availability
- An OHIP card is not required
- The vaccine is free and available to all people who are eligible
Book Your Appointment - Waterloo • Book Your Appointment - Cambridge
Mpox resources for medical professionals are available on our Health Care Providers page.
Mpox is a rare viral illness that causes fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes and lethargy, followed by a rash over the person’s body. It is spread through close direct contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is working with provinces and health units to investigate mpox cases in Canada.
If you think you have been exposed to mpox or if you have symptoms of the virus:
- Self-isolate
- Wear a mask
- Contact a health care provider (primary care, walk-in clinic, or hospital if symptoms are severe)
Mumps is a viral infection that can cause fever, headaches and swelling of the salivary glands in the cheeks and jaw. It can lead to swelling of the lining covering the brain and spinal cord, deafness, gentile infection and miscarriages.
The mumps vaccine is required for school-aged children in Ontario. It is usually given in a combined vaccine that also includes protection from other diseases. Learn more about mumps vaccines.
Visit our pertussis page.
Polio (poliomyelitis) is a contagious disease that can be prevented by vaccination. It is caused by poliovirus type 1, 2 or 3. It is spread from person to person and through contaminated food and water. Polio can attack the central nervous system and destroy the nerve cells that activate muscles, which may cause paralysis and death. It mainly affects children under age five; however, infection and paralysis may occur in individuals of any age who are not immune.
The polio vaccine is required for school-aged children in Ontario. It is often given in a combined vaccine that also includes protection from other diseases.
Polio vaccine fact sheets:
Visit our Rabies page.
Rubella is a highly contagious but preventable disease. Infections are not usually serious, but can cause complications like internal bleeding, inflammation of the brain or a viral infection of the brain.
Complications in pregnant women can cause congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), which can lead to major birth defects, miscarriage or stillbirth. Babies with CRS can suffer from:
- deafness
- eye, heart and brain defects
- lifelong mental and physical disabilities
The rubella vaccine is required for school-aged children in Ontario. It is usually given in a combined vaccine that also includes protection from other diseases. Learn more about rubella vaccines.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
For information visit our RSV page.
Rotavirus is a common and very contagious infection that causes vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain in infants, children and sometimes adults. Most children are infected with rotavirus at least once by age five.
In Ontario, the rotavirus vaccine is a publicly funded two-dose series recommended for infants at two and four months of age. The vaccine series should be completed by 24 weeks of age. Learn more about the rotavirus vaccine.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
For information visit our Sexually Transmitted Infections page.
Visit our shingles page.
Tetanus or lockjaw is a serious disease caused by bacteria found in soil, dust and manure. A person can become infected with tetanus when the bacteria enters a cut or wound. Tetanus does not spread from person to person. Tetanus causes cramping of the muscles in the neck, arms, legs and stomach and painful convulsions severe enough to break bones. It may result in death.
The tetanus vaccine is required for school-aged children in Ontario. The vaccine is usually combined with vaccines for other diseases, like diphtheria and pertussis.
Visit our Tuberculosis page.
Varicella, often called chickenpox, is a common, vaccine-preventable childhood infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It's most common in young children and is usually mild, but it can be very uncomfortable for your child. When adolescents and adults get it, they can be very sick.
The chickenpox vaccine is required for school-aged children in Ontario. It is usually given as part of a combined vaccine that also protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Learn more about this vaccine.
Visit our West Nile Virus page.
Yellow fever is a disease that is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. It gets its name from the yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) that occurs when the virus attacks the liver.
