OPH Launches New Dashboard For Infectious Disease Surveillance Data

OPH now offers readily available surveillance data on reportable infectious diseases of public health significance among Ottawa residents through the new, interactive data visualization tool: the Diseases of Public Health Significance Dashboard.

Diseases of public health significance are reportable to local public health in accordance with O. Reg. 135/18: DESIGNATION OF DISEASES and amendments under the Health Protection and Promotion Act. These diseases include: 

• routine vaccine-preventable (such as...

Ontario Mpox Guidance Updates

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners
Date: October 16, 2024
From: Dr. Michelle Foote, Associate Medical Officer of Health
Subject: Ontario Mpox Guidance Updates

Dear colleagues,

Ontario has experienced an increase in mpox activity in 2024, and several individuals have tested positive for mpox in Ottawa. Some individuals testing positive in Ottawa have not reported recent travel, providing evidence of local transmission.

The WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)...

Fall 2024 COVID-19 Local Vaccine Availability and Recommendations

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners
Date: October 7, 2024
From: Dr. Trevor Arnason, Deputy Medical Officer of Health
Subject: Fall 2024 COVID-19 Local Vaccine Availability and Recommendations

Dear Colleagues,

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has received a limited supply of Moderna KP.2 COVID-19 vaccine and has begun distributing initial doses to hospitals and Long-Term Care Homes, as per Provincial direction. The Pfizer KP.2 shipment is expected mid-October. Pharmacies have also started to receive...

Updates on Provincial COVID-19 Testing Eligibility and Availability of Rapid Antigen tests

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners
Date: October 4, 2024
From: Dr. Laura Bourns, Associate Medical Officer of Health
Subject: Updates on Provincial COVID-19 Testing Eligibility and Availability of Rapid Antigen tests

Dear Colleagues,

Please see the attach memo from the Ontario Ministry of Health for an update on COVID-19 testing, including eligibility for publicly funded testing and eligibility for ordering rapid antigen tests through the Provincial Antigen Testing Program.

The attached memo...

Information for the infant and high-risk children RSV prevention program

To: Ottawa Physicians and Nurse Practitioners
Date: October 2, 2024
From: Dr. Trevor Arnason, Deputy Medical Officer of Health
Subject: Information for the infant and high-risk children RSV prevention program

Dear Colleagues,

In preparation for RSV season, we are sharing additional information to support community providers in the implementation of the infant and high-risk children RSV prevention program. The information below is supplemental to the previous public health alert shared on September 18,...