Public Health Alerts

Epidemiologically-linked clinical cases of hepatitis A in Ottawa

To: Family Physicians, Infectious Diseases Specialists, Emergency Physicians, Emergency DepartmentsFrom: Dr. Monir Taha, Associate Medical Officer of HealthSubject: Hepatitis A

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is writing to alert you to two epidemiologically-linked, clinical cases of hepatitis A in the 4 to 5-year-old age group in Ottawa. OPH has offered hepatitis A vaccination to child and adult contacts of these cases; however, additional cases may be possible.

At very young ages, hepatitis A may be...

Pre/Perinatal Care Update: opting-out of Ophthalmia Neonatorum prophylaxis

To: Ottawa obstetricians, family physicians, and midwivesFrom: Dr. Geneviève Cadieux, Associate Medical Officer of HealthSubject: Pre/Perinatal Care Update: opting-out of Ophthalmia Neonatorum prophylaxis

Effective January 1, 2019, parents may request to opt-out of the mandatory prophylactic ophthalmic ointment to prevent transmission of Ophthalmia Neonatorum. This is due to an amendment to Regulation 557 Communicable Diseases – General under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA).

To opt-out...

Influenza season predicted to peak between late December and mid-January

To: Ottawa Healthcare ProvidersFrom: Dr. Geneviève Cadieux, Associate Medical Officer of HealthSubject: Influenza season predicted to peak between late December and mid-January

2018-2019 influenza season predicted to peak between late December and mid-January

• Current influenza surveillance data, combined with experience from past years, indicates that influenza activity will peak between late December and mid January.
• Peak influenza activity is typically associated with increased demand for...

Improper use of glucose meters and fingerstick devices (lancets) on multiple patients

To: Ottawa Healthcare ProvidersFrom: Dr. Geneviève Cadieux, Associate Medical Officer of HealthDate: November 22, 2018

On July 30, 2018, OPH sent a memo to Ottawa healthcare providers about the improper use of glucose meters designed for single-patient use on multiple patients, and the associated risk of infectious disease transmission. OPH continues to receive reports concerning improper use of glucose meters and/or fingerstick devices.

For the safety of your patients and your practice, please...

Ontario Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP)

We are writing to highlight two items related to the 2018/2019 Ontario Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP).

Flu activity has started in Ontario. As both high-dose TIV and standard-dose QIV are recommended products for seniors 65 years of age and older, do not delay vaccination for a particular product. Both products protect against the flu and the most important thing is for seniors to be vaccinated.

Product Changes for the 2018/2019 UIIP Season

• Quadrivalent inactivated vaccine (QIV)...