The Huron County Health Unit is reminding people to watch out for discarded needles on beaches, parks and other recreational areas.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Maarten Bokhout says a discarded needle was discovered recently along the Huron County shoreline. While the risk of being infected with a disease can be low, Dr. Bokhout says it's important people know what to do if they come across a sharp object.
Parents should make sure children understand that sharp objects, such as used needles, razor blades or any item that could cut skin should be left alone. Children should tell an adult where the needle or sharp object is.
The health unit also recommends that if you've been scratched, poked or cut by a discarded sharp object, let the cut bleed freely. Wash the area well with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic like rubbing alcohol or peroxide. Follow up with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
If a child is poked by a needle, they should tell someone right away. The child will need to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Adults can safely pick up a sharp object with a free sharps container. Residents can call the health unit at 519-482-3416 or after hours at 519-482-7077 to ask where they can get the container and where they can take it when a sharp object has been put in it.
If that's not possible, bring a non-breakable, puncture proof container with a screw-top lid to where the sharp object is. Use a thick plastic jar, empty bleach bottle or water bottle. Use pliers, tongs or tweezers to pick up the object. If it's a needle, hold the needle tip away from you. Put the needle into the container needle end first and then close the container tightly. Wash your hands and then take the container to the site recommended by the health unit.
Like all health units in Ontario, the Huron County Health Unit offers a needle exchange program with community partners in the county.
Providing injection drug users with sterile injection equipment helps reduce the transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and other blood-borne diseases. This reduces risk for both injection drug users and the larger community.
