Medical Director, Environmental Health Services, British Columbia Center for Disease Control
Author profile
Tom Kosatsky, MD, MPH
Background Ivermectin is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic drug used to treat onchocerciasis (river blindness), strongyloidiasis, lice, and scabies among other parasitic infections and infestations, as well as rosacea.[... Read More
The average number of deaths per day in British Columbia is 110, ranging from 90 to 130 most days. On 29 June 2021, 380 people died across the province [Figure]. There were 1630 deaths in the 8 days from 25 June to 2... Read More
An outbreak of severe pulmonary illness associated with vaping (the act of inhaling an aerosol produced by an electronic cigarette or related product) was first reported in the United States in August 2019, and a... Read More
Sea level rise due to melting ice sheets and thermal expansion of the ocean poses serious risks for coastal communities. Elevated sea levels erode shorelines and inundate low-lying coasts; these changes, in turn, allow... Read More
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, in collaboration with the Center for Urban Waters (University of Washington Tacoma), reported detecting contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in transplanted mussels... Read More
Exposure to lead in Canada has fallen dramatically with its removal from paint, gasoline, plumbing, and other consumer and industrial products. Nevertheless, lead toxicity still occurs. A 64-year-old male was... Read More
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a plant indigenous to Southeast Asia known for dual therapeutic and toxic properties: at low doses it acts as a stimulant while at higher doses it activates opioid receptors.[1] The use of... Read More
Every 20 April, thousands of Canadians celebrate or advocate cannabis use by attending public events or consuming cannabis in private. Cannabis-themed celebrations on this date, known as 4/20, have been held since the... Read More
Between November 2016 and March 2017 more than 400 individuals across Canada developed norovirus gastroenteritis associated with the consumption of BC oysters. Over 100 cases occurred mid-November in participants at a... Read More
During an oil spill crisis, community concerns can outpace the ability of physicians and public health agencies to provide evidence-based information. To assist clinicians, we provide resources for commonly encountered... Read More