News

Early seasonal increase in legionellosis activity in Ontario: clinical vigilance recommended

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners  
Date: May 20, 2026          
From: Dr. Emil Prikryl, Associate Medical Officer of Health
Subject: Early seasonal increase in legionellosis activity in Ontario: clinical vigilance recommended

Dear Colleagues,

The Ministry of Health has advised public health units that two concurrent clusters of Legionella in Hamilton and Toronto are being actively monitored. These clusters suggest an earlier-than-expected increase in Legionella activity this season. Although...

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Hantavirus: Situational update and new PHO IPAC guidance

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners  
Date: May 12, 2026          
From: Dr. Michelle Foote, Associate Medical Officer of Health
Subject: Hantavirus: Situational update and new PHO IPAC guidance

Dear Colleagues,

As you are likely aware, a cluster of Andes strain Hantavirus infections has been reported among passengers of the cruise ship MV Hondius. There have been Canadian travellers identified as passengers on the cruise ship. At this time, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is not aware of any individuals...

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Spring Covid-19 Vaccine Dose

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners  
Date: April 13, 2026          
From: Dr. Laura Bourns, Deputy Medical Officer of Health
Subject: Spring Covid-19 Vaccine Dose

Dear Colleagues,

Administration of COVID-19 vaccine doses for fall 2025-2026 ended on March 31.
A spring COVID-19 vaccine dose* is recommended for individuals who are included in the High-Risk Populations group 1 (as indicated in the Ministry of Health, Health Care Provider Fact Sheet). These include:

•  Adults 65 years of age and older.
  • Those 80...

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Medetomidine in the unregulated opioid supply

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners  
Date: April 9, 2026          
From: Dr. Michelle Foote, Associate Medical Officer of Health
Subject: Medetomidine in the unregulated opioid supply

Dear Colleagues,

The Ontario Poison Centre has developed a clinical brief regarding medetomidine as an emerging adulterant in the unregulated opioid supply: Medetomidine in the Unregulated Opioid Supply: A Clinical Brief for Ontario Health Care Providers.

Medetomidine (meh-deh-TOH-mih-deen) is a veterinary sedative that...

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Chikungunya Live Attenuated Vaccine – Reporting Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI)

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners  
Date: April 8, 2026          
From: Dr. Laura Bourns, Deputy Medical Officer of Health
Subject: Chikungunya Live Attenuated Vaccine – Reporting Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI)

Dear Colleagues,

This Public Health Alert is to communicate the importance of timely reporting of suspected adverse events following immunization (AEFI) related to the chikungunya live attenuated vaccine (CHIK‑LAV); the product’s trade name is IXCHIQ. 

Recent international...

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