Ordering testing for HBV, HCV, and HIV related to the Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Lapse at a Stittsville Clinic

To: Ottawa Health Care ProvidersFrom: Dr. Geneviève Cadieux, Associate Medical Officer of HealthDate: July 24, 2018

Ottawa-area laboratories have contacted Ottawa Public Health to flag some issues related to HBV, HCV, and HIV test ordering for patients potentially exposed to the infection prevention and control (IPAC) lapse at the Main Street Family Medical Centre.

To order testing for a patient potentially exposed to the IPAC lapse at the Main Street Family Medical Centre, please follow these...

Tick-borne diseases – Anaplasmosis

To: Family Physicians, Infectious Disease Specialists, Emergency Department Specialists, Emergency Departments, Hospital IPAC teamsFrom: Dr. Monir Taha, Associate Medical Officer of HealthDate: July 4, 2018

A recent report of the first confirmed human case of anaplasmosis in the neighbouring Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit serves as a reminder that tick-borne diseases other than Lyme disease may occur in Ontario. A CMAJ case report in the 26 March 2018 issue (doi: 10.1503/cmaj...

Immunization update: NACI recommends RZV (Shingrix®) vaccine in persons aged 50 years and older

To: Ottawa Immunizers From: Dr. Geneviève Cadieux, Associate Medical Officer of Health Date: July 3, 2018

In June 2018, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) issued a new recommendation on herpes zoster (shingles) vaccines.

Herpes zoster vaccines authorized for use in Canada

• Two herpes zoster vaccines are currently authorized for use in Canada in immunocompetent individuals aged 50 years or older:
  • A live attenuated vaccine, Zostavax®II (Live Zoster Vaccine, LZV), has been authorized...

Risk of possible hepatitis A exposure for clients having consumed ready-to-eat foods from Marché Adonis in Gatineau, Quebec

To: Emergency Departments, Primary Care Providers, Infectious Disease Physicians

From: Vera Etches, Medical Officer of Health

Date: May 20, 2018

OPH is writing to alert you to the possibility that patients may seek your assessment related to a potential exposure to hepatitis A. OPH is notifying the public of a precautionary recall issued by the Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ) on May 18, 2018. Several food items prepared at Marché Adonis in Gatineau...

Ottawa continues as at-risk area for Lyme disease

To: Ottawa Health Care Providers

From: Dr. Monir Taha, Associate Medical Officer of Health

Date: May 14, 2018

Ottawa and neighbouring regions continue as “at risk” areas for Lyme disease after exposure to a feeding blacklegged tick. Ottawa Public Health’s (OPH’s) recommendation to consider single-dose, oral doxycycline chemoprophylaxis following a blacklegged tick bite remains in effect for patients who meet the following criteria:

• the tick is fully or partially engorged or has been attached for 24...