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...

New Ontario HIV Testing Guidelines

To: Ottawa Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Midwives, Travel Clinics, Walk-in Clinics, Emergency Departments and CHCsDate: April 3, 2023From: Dr. Michelle Foote (Associate Medical Officer of Health)

Dear Colleagues:

Ontario has released new guidance for HIV testing, developed by the Ontario HIV Treatment Network, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Public Health Ontario (PHO), the Ontario College of Family Physicians and Ontario-based clinicians and testing providers. A memorandum from...

XDR Shigella sonnei; possible sexual transmission

To: Ottawa Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Travel Clinics, Walk-in Clinics, Emergency DepartmentsDate: March 23, 2023From: Dr. Michelle Foote (Associate Medical Officer of Health)

Dear Colleagues:

Please find attached from the Ministry of Health: ‘Memorandum: XDR Shigella sonnei: Possible Sexual Transmission; March 16, 2023.’ 

Shigellosis

Shigellosis is immediately reportable in Ontario (see below for reporting details). It is transmitted by the fecal-oral route, directly through person-to-person...

Mpox in 2023: Information for Clinicians

Public Health Alert

To: Ottawa Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Travel Clinics, Walk-in Clinics, Emergency Departments and CHCs

Date: March 16, 2023

From: Dr.Laura Bourns (Associate Medical Officer of Health, Acting)

Subject: Mpox in 2023: Information for Clinicians

Dear Colleagues,

On March 10, 2023, the Ministry of Health published a new document ‘Mpox in 2023: Information for Clinicians’. This document highlights that mpox infections can be mild and subclinical and these mild infections are suspected...

Blastomycosis

Public Health Alert

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners | Médecins et infirmières praticiennes d’Ottawa

Date: March 15, 2023 From: Dr. Monir Taha (Associate Medical Officer of Health) | Dr Monir Taha, médecin adjoint en santé publique

Subject: Blastomycosis This Public Health Alert provides an update on blastomycosis in Ottawa as well as information on laboratory testing and public health reporting.

Blastomycosis in Ontario and Ottawa

The diagnosis of blastomycosis is often protracted because...