News

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...

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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...

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Gonorrhea Rates on the Rise in Ontario : New Testing and Treatment Guidelines

New Ontario testing and treatment guidelines for gonorrhea

As rates of Gonorrhea in the province continue to rise, it is increasingly important to screen and manage these infections according to Public Health Ontario’s Ontario Gonorrhea Testing and Treatment Guide, 2nd Edition released in November 2018. For your convenience, the key recommendations are summarized below.

• All sexually active individuals who have signs and symptoms of gonorrhea should be tested at all sites...

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Mental Health Supports During The Holiday Season

If some of your patients are finding the holiday season stressful or even isolating, supports and resources are available to help them through these challenges.

For those who are alone or feeling isolated, they can call 211 for information about holiday events or dinners, a support group or an opportunity to get involved in their community.

Reaching out to a mental health professional may benefit those struggling with emotional challenges. Walk-In Counselling Clinics offer the services of trained...

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Message from Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Vera Etches

Dear Colleagues -

The vision we have for our work with you is that Ottawa Public Health supports and enables you to prevent disease and promote the health of your patients and the population.  We are aware that we are still learning how to provide service to you in the best way possible to reach this vision. I am sorry for the frustration felt by some physicians’ offices regarding vaccine distribution. However, I am pleased to report that teams, like our immunization team, are taking steps to...

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