Health department initiates inquiry into the frequency of ALS instances in Charlevoix
In the province of Quebec, various health authorities are currently conducting investigations into the prevalence of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. This incurable and fatal neurodegenerative disease affects around 2 people in every 100,000 annually.
In the Charlevoix region, at least 24 residents have been diagnosed with ALS since the year 2000, according to reports. This has raised concerns, prompting the Minister of Health, Christian Dubé, to ask Public Health to shed light on the situation. The Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) has been tasked with conducting the investigation.
The first phase of the investigation will involve verifying, from medical-administrative databases, if there is an excess of ALS cases in the Charlevoix region. The Capitale-Nationale region's Public Health department has not received any reports and has not been informed of any particular situation in Charlevoix regarding ALS.
Similarly, since December 2024, the Public Health of Estrie has been investigating a possible prevalence of ALS cases in the MRC de Val-Saint-François, which has a population of over 30,000.
Scientific literature suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors contribute to the onset of Lou Gehrig's disease. Hypotheses for the development of the disease include exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, smoking, certain wild mushrooms, and toxins found in blue-green algae. Several residents in the Charlevoix region, as well as in the Windsor area, have reported living near bodies of water or working in factories, but no definitive cause has been identified.
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In a separate matter, there is no registry of Lou Gehrig's disease cases in Quebec as it is not a reportable disease. Public Health is appealing to the Société de la SLA du Québec to facilitate contact with affected Charlevoix residents.
The Direction de santé publique of the CIUSSS of the Capitale-Nationale region takes 'the health and safety of the entire population of the region very seriously.' They assure the public that they are committed to addressing any health concerns that arise.
As the investigations continue, the public is encouraged to stay informed and follow updates from their local health authorities.
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