Meth use in Winnipeg is driving up a number of serious infections.
A newly uncovered briefing note from the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority shows blood borne diseases are spiking in Winnipeg because of the meth epidemic.
The memo obtained by the Manitoba NDP was put together by front line workers for senior members of the health authority.
"These documents show that the meth crisis in Winnipeg is now becoming a public health crisis," said NDP leader Wab Kinew.
The documents say hepatitis and syphilis are in some cases at levels never seen before.
“Population and public health has declared an outbreak of acute hepatitis B in the region, almost exclusively linked to injection drug use…
There is a significant rise in hepatitis C cases among youth under the age of 25, something that is unprecedented…The current outbreak of syphilis appears to be associated with crystal methamphetamine,” states the briefing note.
The RHA also says that might not be the only health concern.
“We are getting early indications that HIV is spreading among some crystal meth injection users," said Pierre Plourde, medical officer of health, WRHA.
The memo goes on to say, "There is a lack of provincial leadership in CDC (communicable disease control) response.”
"And that lack of provincial leadership is what has led to an outbreak of diseases that we thought were controlled," said NDP health critic Andrew Swan.
On the lack of leadership comment from front line workers, Manitoba Health Minister Cameron Friesen responded.
"They're welcome to their opinions, but what I believe the record will show is that this is a government that has created capacity," said Friesen.
The health authority and the minister say the document is dated, from August. Since that time they say several steps have been taken, including the addition of more treatment beds, the establishment of more rapid access clinics and a new policy allowing paramedics to administer an anti-psychotic medication.
"Since then there's been a lot of work there very much, has been engagement with all of our community partners including government," said Gina Trinidad, chief health operations officer, WRHA.
The WRHA estimates it will hand out close to 2 million clean needles by year’s end, more than four times the amount from just five years ago.
"We are offering supplies and resources. Sometimes they aren't accepting, sometimes they are resistant," said Friesen.
The documents also has details of a working group researching the feasibility of safe injection sites. The RHA says it expects recommendations from that group by months end.
