News

Duty to report animal bites and animal contacts - 2026

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners  
Date: July 2, 2026          
From: Dr. Emil Prikryl, Associate Medical Officer of Health
Subject: Duty to report animal bites and animal contacts

Dear Colleagues, 

Ottawa Public Health is reaching out with an annual reminder to partners to report all potential rabies exposures as required byRegulation 557 (COMMUNICABLE DISEASES – GENERAL) under the Health Protection and Promotion Act:  

2. (1) A physician, registered nurse in the extended class, veterinarian, police officer...

Read more

Memo: Surveillance of Candida auris Colonization

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners  
Date: June 24, 2026          
From: Dr. Laura Bourns, Deputy Medical Officer of Health
Subject: Memo: Surveillance of Candida auris Colonization

Dear Colleagues,

Please see the following linked memorandum from Ontario's Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health regarding enhanced surveillance for Candida auris (C. auris) colonization: Surveillance of Candida auris Colonization

From July 1 to December 31, 2026, Ontario will expand surveillance activities to include C....

Read more

Early seasonal increase in legionellosis activity in Ontario: clinical vigilance recommended

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners  
Date: May 20, 2026          
From: Dr. Emil Prikryl, Associate Medical Officer of Health
Subject: Early seasonal increase in legionellosis activity in Ontario: clinical vigilance recommended

Dear Colleagues,

The Ministry of Health has advised public health units that two concurrent clusters of Legionella in Hamilton and Toronto are being actively monitored. These clusters suggest an earlier-than-expected increase in Legionella activity this season. Although...

Read more

Hantavirus: Situational update and new PHO IPAC guidance

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners  
Date: May 12, 2026          
From: Dr. Michelle Foote, Associate Medical Officer of Health
Subject: Hantavirus: Situational update and new PHO IPAC guidance

Dear Colleagues,

As you are likely aware, a cluster of Andes strain Hantavirus infections has been reported among passengers of the cruise ship MV Hondius. There have been Canadian travellers identified as passengers on the cruise ship. At this time, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is not aware of any individuals...

Read more

Spring Covid-19 Vaccine Dose

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners  
Date: April 13, 2026          
From: Dr. Laura Bourns, Deputy Medical Officer of Health
Subject: Spring Covid-19 Vaccine Dose

Dear Colleagues,

Administration of COVID-19 vaccine doses for fall 2025-2026 ended on March 31.
A spring COVID-19 vaccine dose* is recommended for individuals who are included in the High-Risk Populations group 1 (as indicated in the Ministry of Health, Health Care Provider Fact Sheet). These include:

•  Adults 65 years of age and older.
  • Those 80...

Read more