Public Health Alerts

Legionellosis in Ottawa

To: Ottawa Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Walk-in Clinics, Emergency DepartmentsDate: May 12, 2023From: Dr. Monir Taha and Dr. Michelle Foote, Associate Medical Officers of Health, Ottawa Public Health

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has received reports of 3 cases of Legionnaires’ disease caused by Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 with onsets of illness in April 2023. The cases reside in downtown Ottawa. OPH is investigating to determine if there is a common source of the infections. When...

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Notifications to parents RE: Immunization of School Pupils Act reporting

To: Ottawa Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Midwives, Travel Clinics and Walk-in Clinics,and Infection ControlDate: May 11, 2023From: Dr. Trevor Arnason, Associate Medical Officer of Health

Dear Colleagues,

Ottawa is making progress in catching-up routine childhood vaccinations that weremissed during the COVID-19 pandemic owing to the combined efforts of communityphysicians, primary care providers and Ottawa Public Health (OPH). Students attendingschool in Ontario are required to be vaccinated...

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Multi-Drug Resistant Gonorrhea and Updated Recommendations for Test of Cure

To: Ottawa Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Midwifery Leads, Travel Clinics, Walk-in Clinics, Emergency Departments and CHCsDate: April 27, 2023From: Dr. Michelle Foote (Associate Medical Officer of Health)

Dear Colleagues:

Multi-Drug Resistant Gonorrhea 

Please find attached a memorandum from the Ministry of Health (available only in English) regarding the detection of ceftriaxone non-susceptible gonorrhea in Ontario.

Multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae have been...

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COVID-19 Vaccine Spring Boosters

To: Ottawa Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Midwives, Walk-in ClinicsDate: April 13, 2023From: Dr. Trevor Arnason, Associate Medical Officer of Health

Dear Colleagues,

The Province of Ontario announced April 6, 2023, that those in the following groups at highest risk of severe illness from COVID-19 are recommended to receive a spring booster dose if at least 6 months (168 days) have passed since their last dose or confirmed COVID-19 infection: 

• Individuals 65 years and older
• Residents of long-term...

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Cold chain breaks related to power outages following the April 5th severe weather event

To: Flu/Other Vaccine ProvidersDate: Thursday, April 6, 2023From: Dr. Michelle Foote (Associate Medical Officer of Health)

Dear Colleagues,

The severe weather event of April 5th has caused significant damage and power outages throughout the city. Depending on the duration of the power outage in your area, a cold chain break may have occurred at your location. 

• Please check your vaccine fridge(s) when you arrive on site to assess the current, minimum and maximum temperature recordings.
• Any...

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