One confirmed case of measles in Ottawa

To: Ottawa PhysiciansFrom: Dr. Robin Taylor, Associate Medical Officer of HealthSubject: One confirmed case of measles in Ottawa

Read the latest update on the measles investigation at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Measles

Dear Colleagues,

One case of international-travel related measles has been reported to Ottawa Public Health. We are writing because other persons have been exposed to measles in Ottawa including The Queensway Carleton Hospital. Secondary cases from this exposure could occur any time until...

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...