An outbreak is an increase in the number of children or staff absent due to illness above what is normally expected at the child care centre. Call Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) for consultation and report an illness as soon as you suspect an outbreak at 1-800-922-0096.
Why is it important to investigate outbreaks?
Investigation of outbreaks is necessary to understand and ultimately control and prevent the spread of diseases. It is important when the disease in question is particularly severe or high rates of transmission.
What is your responsibility as a Child Care Provider during an outbreak?
If an outbreak is identified in your child care facility, SWPH will guide you through your next steps to manage the outbreak. A SWPH staff member will be in daily communication with you and be available to direct and support you and your staff during the outbreak.
If you have any questions about an outbreak, please contact SWPH at 1-800-922-0096.
Managing an outbreak in your child care facility
Exclusion of Children
Exclusion of ill children from the other well children in child care facilities is key in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
A child should be excluded if he/she is not well enough to participate in activities as usual and/or has any symptoms Requiring Exclusion From the Child Care Centre. Ill children must be isolated preferably in a separate room until they can be picked up by their parents.
Exclude a child who has any of the following:
- Fever AND a combination of other symptoms (nausea, vomiting, etc.,)
- Fever AND a body rash
- Diarrhea - one episode of loose stool where there is a change in the normal pattern of bowel movement (e.g., runny, watery or bloody stool)
- Vomiting - not related to other known causes or conditions
- Eye discharge - yellow or white
- Severe cough
- Yellowish skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Irritability, continuous crying or requires more attention than can be provided
If you are unsure whether a child should be excluded from child care, please refer to the Guide to Common Childhood Infections or consult SWPH at 1-800-922-0096.
Outbreak control measures and line list
- Child Care Enteric Outbreak Control Measures
- Child Care Enteric Outbreak Line List
- Outbreak Alert Poster
Cleaning and disinfection
Please refer to our cleaning and disinfection page for information and resources.