Infectious Diseases and Reporting

• Specimen collection: Collect a nasopharyngeal swab using a colourless transport medium (can be obtained via London Public Health Lab). 

• Order kits online: For more information about these specimen kits or to order a specimen collection kit online 

• After-hours reporting: Call 1-800-922-0096, ext. 0. after-hours, weekend and holidays to report any disease that requires immediate reporting by phone. 

• Download the staff-facing poster to display in clinic staff areas

Reference:

Ontario Public Health Standards: Requirements for Programs, Services and Accountability Infectious Disease Protocol Appendix 1: Case Definitions and Disease - Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Effective: May 2022

• For guidelines for tick bite management and early Lyme Disease management:

  • Clinical Guidance: Management of Tick Bites and Investigation of Early Localized Lyme Disease, Ontario Health

  • Early Lyme Disease Management in Primary Care, CEP

  • 2020 Guidelines for the Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Lyme Disease, IDSA 

  • Lyme Disease Testing, PHO

• To identify ticks:

  • Submitting a tick for identification

   

• PHO Respiratory Pathogen Surveillance Reports: Stay updated on the latest influenza and respiratory virus activity in Ontario through Public Health Ontario's weekly reports.

• FluWatch Canada: Access national influenza surveillance data to see how flu activity is trending across Canada.

• AMMI Guidelines on Antiviral Use: Review clinical guidelines on the appropriate use of antivirals for treating and preventing influenza.

• Influenza Vaccine Ordering: Order flu vaccines for your practice to ensure your patients are protected during flu season.

Mpox must be reported directly to public health as a disease of public health significance.

REPORT BY PHONE ONLY

St. Thomas: 519-631-9900, ext 1232 (Monday to Friday, 8:30AM to 4:30PM); ext. 0 if after hours, holidays, or weekends.

Woodstock: 519-421-9901, ext 3500 (Monday to Friday, 8:30AM to 4:30PM); ext. 0 if after hours, holidays, or weekends. 

Southwestern Public Health has a limited number of vaccine clinics available for those who are eligible for pre-exposure prophylaxis vaccine.

Mpox Information and Resources:

• From the Ministry of Health:

  • General Information: Mpox Overview and Updates

  • Healthcare Guidance: Resources for Healthcare Professionals

• From Public Health Ontario (PHO):

  • Find detailed information on Mpox, including prevention and testing guidelines

• From Government of Canada: 

  • Stay informed about mpox-related travel advisories and safety updates

Preventing Exposure in Clinical Settings:

• External Signage: Post this sign on clinic or hospital doors to prevent individuals with a rash or possible measles exposure from entering.

Public Health Ontario (PHO) Resources

• Information and Updates: Measles Updates for Health Care Providers

• Testing Guidance:

• PCR Testing Guidance

• Serology Testing Guidance

• Infection Control Checklist: Measles IPAC Checklist for Clinics

• Epidemiology: Measles in Ontario Summary

• Post-Exposure Guidance: Prophylaxis for Measles Contacts

Ministry of Health Resources

• Case Definitions: Measles Case Definitions and Disease

• FAQs: Q&A for Public Health Units

SWPH Resources

• Reporting Forms: Reportable Disease Notification Form

• Patient Information: Measles Fact Sheet for Patients

Health Canada

• Surveillance: Weekly Monitoring Report for Measles and Rubella

Measles Testing and Specimen Collection

Tests to Order for Suspected Measles

1. PCR Tests

• Nasopharyngeal (NP) or Throat Swab: Collect within 7 days of rash onset. Use Viral Transport Medium (VTM) (pink liquid medium) collection kit.

• Urine Sample: Collect at least 50 mL within 14 days of rash onset.

2. Diagnostic Serology

• Blood Sample: Collect 5 mL in serum tube for IgM and IgG antibodies (ideally within 7 days of rash onset).

• Note: PCR is required for symptomatic patients; IgM serology alone is not reliable for diagnosis.

Ordering Specimen Kits

• Ensure your office has NP and throat swab kits:

  • NP Swab Kit (#390082)

  • Throat Swab Kit (#390081)

• Order from PHO:

• Requisition Form for Supplies

Collection Instructions

• Nasopharyngeal Swab:

• Step-by-Step Instructions (PDF)

• How-To Video (5 min)

• Throat Swab:

• Step-by-Step Instructions (PDF)

Submitting Specimens

1. Prepare Specimens:

• Ensure each specimen has a completed PHO Laboratory Requisition

• Example requisition with fields required for submission 

• Label biohazard bags clearly

2. Contact PHO Labs:

• Ensure proper specimens collected

• Ensure one Public Health Lab requisition per specimen

• Label specimen biohazard bag with PHOL so that the specimen goes to the correct lab

• Customer Service: 416-235-6556 or 1-877-604-4567

3. Stay Updated:

• Check Advisories, and Updates for the latest measles information.

Updated: March 19, 2024

• Learn about rabies: Understand the risks, symptoms, and how rabies is spread.

• Report animal bites: Report a possible rabies exposure to public health immediately.

• Learn about TB: Understand the symptoms, risks, and how TB spreads.

• TB Skin Testing: Find out how TB skin testing works and when you need it.

• Avian Influenza or Novel Influenza in Birds or Other Animals: Learn the management guideline for Avian Influenza or Novel Influenza in birds or other animals.

• Guidance for Health Care Providers: Access the latest COVID-19 guidance, protocols, and resources to support patient care.

• COVID-19 Testing Guidelines: Review current guidelines for COVID-19 testing, including eligibility and procedures.

• COVID-19 Surveillance Dashboard: Stay updated with real-time data on COVID-19 cases and trends in your community.

• Frequently Asked Questions: Find answers to common questions about COVID-19 symptoms, prevention, and care.