News ​​Releases and Advisories

BCHU and Board of Health support a Consumption and Treatment Services site in Brantford-Brant

Posted February 22, 2023

BRANTFORD,ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) and the BCHU Board of Health have released a letter, in support of opening a Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) site in Brantford-Brant.

Brantford-Brant Community Drugs Strategy Releases 2023 Action Plan

Posted February 6, 2023

BRANTFORD,ON - The Brantford-Brant Community Drug Strategy has released its 2023 Action Plan.

BCHU Receives Lab Confirmation of a Case of Invasive Meningococcal Disease

Posted December 23, 2022

BRANTFORD,ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) has received lab confirmation of a case of invasive meningococcal disease. The case is currently hospitalized.

Brant Experiencing Higher than Normal Flu Activity  

Posted November 16, 2022

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) has received a significant number of positive lab results related to influenza (flu) up to this point in the 2022/23 flu season. 

Board of Health appoints Brent Richardson as BCHU CEO
Posted October 7, 2022
BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) Board of Health (BOH) is pleased to announce the appointment of Brent Richardson to the position of Chief Executive Officer effective immediately.

BCHU adds fatal COVID-19 cases after data quality check
Posted September 27, 2022
BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) has added seven fatal cases to its local case count and removed two previously categorized COVID-19 deaths after conducting a data quality check.

BCHU confirms rabies in a bat found in the County of Brant 
Posted August 25, 2022
BRANTFORD, ON - Laboratory testing has confirmed rabies in a bat found in the County of Brant. 

First case of confirmed monkeypox in Brant
Posted July 11, 2022
BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) received laboratory confirmation of monkeypox in a resident of Brant.

Retirement of BCHU CEO Dr. Jo Ann Tober 
Posted June 13, 2022
BRANTFORD, ON - Dr. Jo Ann Tober, Chief Executive Officer of the Brant County Health Unit has announced her retirement.

Infectious syphilis rates rise in Brant
Posted May 26, 2022

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) is reporting an increase in infectious syphilis cases from 2021.

BCHU reducing frequency of COVID-19 reporting
Posted March 31, 2022

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) is revising the frequency to which COVID-19 case and COVID-19 vaccine data is reported to our online dashboard.

BCHU releases COVID-19 wastewater surveillance data
Posted February 9, 2022

BRANTFORD, ON - Beginning February 9, 2022, the Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) has made wastewater surveillance data available as part of its COVID-19 reporting.

BCHU updating COVID-19 case reporting process
Posted January 14, 2022

BRANTFORD, ON - Beginning January 17, 2022, the Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) will be updating the COVID-19 case reporting process in response to recent changes in Provincial testing eligibility. 

COVID-19 Outbreak declared at Paris Presbyterian Church
Posted December 14, 2021

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Paris Presbyterian Church located at 164 Grand River St. N. in Paris.

COVID-19 Outbreak declared at New City Church
Posted December 10, 2021

BRANTFORD, ON -The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at New City Church located at 190 Lynden Rd., in Brantford.

COVID-19 Outbreak declared at Zander's Fire Grill & Brew Lounge
Posted September 21, 2021

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Zander's Fire Grill & Brew Lounge located at 190 King George Rd., in Brantford.

Increasing rates of infectious syphilis in Brant
Posted September 20, 2021

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) is reporting a large increase in infectious syphilis cases thus far through 2021.

Dr. Rebecca Comley to join BCHU as Acting Medical Officer of Health
Posted August 24, 2021

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) is pleased to welcome Dr. Rebecca Comley as Acting Medical Officer of Health (MOH) beginning September 13, 2021.

Mosquito pools tests positive for West Nile Virus in St. George
Posted August 23, 2021

BRANTFORD, ON - Mosquitoes collected earlier last week as part of the surveillance program by the Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) have tested positive for the West Nile virus (WNV).

Moderna vaccine to be administered at BCHU clinics while Pfizer shipment delayed
Posted June 21, 2021

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) was informed by the Province on Saturday, June 19, that the next local delivery of Pfizer vaccine, that was to arrive early this week, has been delayed until later this week.

Residents urged to be vigilant to help prevent opioid overdoses
Posted June 7, 2021

As summer approaches and temperatures are warmer, residents are urged to be extra vigilant in helping to prevent opioid overdoses in our community.

COVID-19 cases linked to outdoor gatherings
Posted June 2, 2021

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) has determined there have been several COVID-19 cases linked to outdoor, social gatherings that took place between May 21 and 26.

COVID-19 outbreak declared at Portway Dentistry in Brantford
Posted May 27, 2021

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Portway Dentistry located at 230 Shellard Lane in Brantford. 

COVID-19 outbreak declared at Wendy’s location in Brantford
Posted May 21, 2021

COVID-19 outbreak declared at Farm Boy in Brantford
Posted May 1, 2021

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Farm Boy located at 240 King George Rd. in Brantford.

COVID-19 outbreak declared at Liv Communities sales office in Paris
Posted April 22, 2021

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at the Liv Communities sales office located at 1028 Rest Acres Rd. in Paris.

COVID-19 outbreak declared at Brant Food Centre in Brantford
Posted April 16, 2021

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Brant Food Centre located at 94 Grey St. in Brantford.

COVID-19 outbreak declared at Pizzaville in Brantford
Posted April 11, 2021

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at the Pizzaville located at 320 Colborne St. W. in Brantford. 

COVID-19 outbreak declared at CSN Collision Centre in Brantford
Posted March 18, 2021

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at CSN Collision Centre – Brant County located at 85 Lynden Road in Brantford. 

Dr. Malcolm Lock to return to BCHU as Acting MOH on a temporary basis 
Posted March 17, 2021

BRANTFORD, ON - Dr. Malcolm Lock will return to the Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) in the role of Acting Medical Officer of Health (MOH) on a temporary basis.

BCHU to continue using local COVID-19 vaccine booking system
Posted March 15, 2021

BRANTFORD, ON - As the Ontario government rolls out the province-wide COVID-19 registration system, the Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) will continue to use its local booking system for the immediate future.

BCHU announces change to time interval between two doses of COVID-19 vaccine
Posted March 11, 2021

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) will be rebooking COVID-19 vaccine appointment times for all residents who currently have a second dose appointment booked. Second dose appointments will now be booked 16 weeks after the first dose has been administered.

BCHU to open 3,100 additional COVID-19 vaccination appointments for Brant residents 80+ years-of-age
Posted March 4, 2021

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) will be opening an additional 3,100 COVID-19 vaccine appointment spaces for adults 80 years-of-age and older, who are residents of Brant.

 BCHU announces sites for COVID-19 Mass Immunization Clinics, 80+ years-of-age clinics to begin next week
Posted February 26, 2021

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) is pleased to announce the two sites that will host upcoming COVID-19 mass immunization clinics.

First screened positive COVID-19 variant of concern found in Brant
Posted February 18, 2021

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) was notified by Public Health Ontario that a resident of Brant, previously diagnosed with COVID-19, has been identified as the first person in the community to have screened positive for a variant of concern (VOC).

Statement regarding provincial return-to-school decision
Posted February 2, 2021

Please view the article linked above to read the full statement.

COVID-19 vaccinations completed for local long-term care home and retirement home residents
Posted January 21, 2021

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) has completed mobile vaccination clinics at all long-term care and retirement homes in Brant.

First COVID-19 vaccine administered in Brant
Posted January 13, 2021

BRANTFORD, ON - Linda Dunham received Brant's first COVID-19 vaccine at Brantford General Hospital today.


First COVID-19 vaccine doses arrive in Brant
Posted January 12, 2021

BRANTFORD, ON - With the arrival of the first shipment of COVID-19 vaccine for Brant, a vaccination clinic led by the Brant County Health Unit and Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) has been scheduled for tomorrow, January 13.

BCHU Acting Medical Officer of Health departing in Spring 2021
Posted January 7, 2021

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit’s (BCHU) Board of Health would like to announce the departure of Dr. Elizabeth Urbantke from her role as Acting Medical Officer of Health (MOH) effective Spring 2021.

COVID-19 Outbreak declared at Brantford Tim Horton's location
Posted January 3, 2021

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at a Tim Horton’s location at 225 Henry Street in Brantford.

COVID-19 Outbreak declared at Brantford Walmart location
Posted December 9, 2020

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at the Brantford Walmart location at 300 King George Road.

COVID-19 Outbreak declared at The Olde School Restaurant in Brantford
Posted November 27, 2020

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at The Olde School Restaurant in Brantford.

COVID-19 Outbreak declared at KFC in Brantford
Posted November 13, 2020

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at the KFC location within Lynden Park Mall in Brantford.

COVID-19 Outbreak declared at Rejuvenate Cosmetic Clinic in Brantford
Posted November 5, 2020

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Rejuvenate Cosmetic Clinic in Brantford.

COVID-19 Outbreak declared at Salon Mirage in Brantford 
Posted October 31, 2020

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Salon Mirage at Lynden Park Mall in Brantford.

First Human Case of West Nile Virus Reported in Brant for 2020
Posted September 18, 2020

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit has been notified of a Brant resident who has tested positive for the West Nile Virus (WNV).

Mosquito pool tests positive for West Nile Virus in Brantford
Posted August 13, 2020

BRANTFORD, ON - Mosquitoes collected by the Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) earlier this week have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV).

Larviciding Program to be conducted in locations throughout Brant  
Posted July 31, 2020

BRANTFORD, ON - Between August 10 and September 30, 2020, the City of Brantford and County of Brant will be conducting a larviciding program.

Brant County Health Unit welcomes four new members to Board of Health
Posted July 9, 2020

BRANTFORD, ON - The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) has added four new members to its Board of Health (BOH).

EOC Advisory Committee denounces racist language targeting seasonal farm workers
Posted June 5, 2020

BRANTFORD, ON - As our community, our nation and the world come to grips with how COVID-19 has altered our lives, social stigma can unfortunately be a side effect.

Brant County Health Unit confirms first death related to COVID-19
Posted April 2, 2020

BRANTFORD, ON - Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) has received notification of the death of an individual at the Brant Community Healthcare System...

Brant County Health Unit confirms second and third cases of COVID-19
Posted March 23, 2020 

BRANTFORD, ON – The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) received laboratory confirmation of two cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Brant, bringing the total lab confirmed cases to three.

Brant County Health Unit confirms first case of COVID-19 in Brant
Posted March 18, 2020

BRANTFORD, ON – The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) received laboratory confirmation of a case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Brant.

COVID-19 Community Update #2
Posted March 16, 2020

BRANTFORD, ON - Over the weekend, the Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) was notified of 25 cases of novel coronavirus...

COVID-19 Community Update
Posted March 13, 2020

BRANTFORD, ON - Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) and Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) have been informed by the Ministry...

First Confirmed Locally Acquired Flu Case
Posted November 22, 2019

BRANTFORD, ON - Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) has confirmed its first locally acquired influenza case of the season...

Dr. Elizabeth Urbantke Appointed Acting Medical Officer of Health
Posted on July 23, 2019

BRANTFORD, ON – The Board of Health of the Brant County Health Unit is pleased to announce that Dr. Elizabeth Urbantke will be joining the Brant County Health Unit as the new Acting Medical Officer ....

Enforcement of Immunization of School Pupils Act in effect
Posted on April 4, 2019

BRANTFORD, ON – 150 students whose immunization records are not up to date with the Brant County Health Unit have been suspended from school until their records can be updated....

Brant County Health Unit’s Medical Officer of Health Set to Retire
Posted on March 20, 2019

BRANTFORD, ON – At today’s Board of Health meeting, the Brant County Health Unit’s Medical Officer of Health (MOH) Dr. Malcolm Lock officially announced he will be retiring at the end of September 2019...

Help protect your community – get the flu shot
Posted on October 22, 2018

Brantford, ON - With the flu vaccine now available to the public through pharmacies and family doctors, the Brant County Health Unit urges everyone to get their flu shot so they can help protect their community...

West Nile Virus found in Brantford-Brant County
Posted on August 7, 2018

Brantford, ON - The Brant County Health Unit is reminding residents to take steps to prevent mosquito bites. This summer the Health Unit has seen three positive human cases for West Nile virus (WNV), as well as one positive mosquito pool with 11 mosquitoes tested positive for WNV in the pool...

City of Brantford and Brant County Health Unit work to reduce harm risk of discarded needles
Posted on May 16, 2018

Brantford, ON - Today, the City of Brantford and the Brant County Health Unit launched a new "Harm Reduction - Safe Needle Retrieval and Disposal" campaign. The one-year pilot project, which was approved...

​Enforcement of Immunization of School Pupils Act in effect
Posted on April 19, 2018

Brantford, ON - 209 students whose immunization records are not up to date with the Brant County Health Unit have been suspended from school until their records can be updated...

Update to Medical Officer of Health role
Posted on April 13, 2018

Brantford, ON - The Brant County Health Unit is pleased to announce that Dr. Malcolm Lock will now be working in Brant full-time...

​Flood cleanup and food safety
Posted on February 23, 2018

Brantford, ON - As residents return to their homes after the recent flooding, safety remains a top priority...

Flu shot now available in Brant and Brantford ​  
Posted on October 24, 2017

Brantford, ON - Tyson Benn thinks everyone who can should get the free flu shot. “It’s definitely not worth getting sick...

Mumps case confirmed in Brant County ​  
Posted on May 17, 2017

Brantford, ON - The Brant County Health Unit has confirmed a case of mumps in Brant County. This case was exposed to mumps while in Manitoba...

Enforcement of Immunization of School Pupils Act in effect  ​  
Posted on April 20, 2017

Brantford, ON - 240 students whose immunization records are out-of-date with the Brant County Health Unit have been suspended from school until their records can be updated...

Provincial Flu Campaign Launched  
Posted on October 25, 2016

Brantford, ON - The flu vaccine will be available to the public this week through pharmacies and doctors’ offices. “The flu shot is the best protection against flu,” says Ruth Gratton...

Food Outbreak Plea
Posted on October 4, 2016

Brantford, ON – Today, at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brantford, Lana Plank of Lana Plank Catering pled guilty to the charge...

Brant County Health Unit reports zero West Nile Virus-positive mosquito pools
Posted on September 2, 2016

Brantford, ON - Overall, it has been a relatively low activity season for West Nile Virus (WNV) in Brantford and Brant County, as the BCHU did not detect any positive WNV mosquito pools this season...

Brant County Health Unit asking residents to be on the lookout for rabid cat
Posted on August 29, 2016

Brantford, ON - The Brant County Health Unit is asking anyone who may have lost, abandoned, fed or came in contact with a grey adult male cat in the area of Alberton, from south of Highway 403 into Brant County, between August 10 and August 20 to contact the Health Unit immediately...

Update on Health Unit privacy breach
Posted on August 12, 2016

Brantford, ON - The Brant County Health Unit wants to inform the community we have notified all of the families affected by the unintentional privacy breach first reported on August 8, 2016. If anyone is concerned their family was affected, they will have received an email or letter from the Health Unit...

Brant County Health Unit reports privacy breach
Posted on August 9, 2016

Brantford, ON - On August 8, 2016, the Brant County Health Unit informed the Information and Privacy Commissioner of an unauthorized access of 494 records containing personal health information...

Residents urged to take precautions after two more raccoons test positive for rabies in Brantford and Brant County
Posted on August 8, 2016

Brantford, ON - The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry notified the Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) after two raccoons in Brantford/Brant County tested positive for rabies...

Listeria Concerns - Neilson Chocolate Milk Recall
Posted on June 6, 2016

Brantford, ON – The Brant County Health Unit encourages anyone who recently bought Neilson brand partly skimmed chocolate milk to check their product...

Rabies Case Confirmed in Brantford Raccoon
Posted on May 12, 2016

Brantford, ON – Laboratory testing has confirmed rabies in one raccoon found in the City of Brantford...

Update - Student Immunization Review
Posted on Apr. 28, 2016

Brantford, ON –  On April 28, 2016, 320 students (194 elementary and 126 secondary) whose immunization records are still out-of-date...

Costco Recall - Health Unit has Hepatitis A Information and Vaccine Available
Posted on Apr. 20, 2016

Brantford, ON –  The Brant County Health Unit encourages any Brant resident with questions or concerns about Costco’s frozen fruit recall...

Update Student Immunizations to Avoid Suspension in April
Posted on Feb. 29, 2016

Brantford, ON –  Some parents in Brantford and Brant County with a child born in 1998, 1999, 2007, and/or 2008 may get a letter from the Brant County Health Unit...