News

Rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin shortages

To: Ottawa Family Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, ER Physicians, Emergency Departments, ID Physicians, Travel ClinicsFrom: Dr. Monir Taha, Associate Medical Officer of Health, Ottawa Public HealthDate: July 30, 2019

The Ministry of Health has informed Ottawa Public Health (OPH) that at the current rate of usage, the provincial stock of rabies vaccine and rabies immunoglobulin may be depleted before the anticipated replenishing date of November 2019.

The Ministry reminds local public health units...

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Listeriosis, kale salad recall – patient lab testing

A product recall concerning a ready-to-eat kale salad product potentially contaminated with Listeria (see https://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/newsroom/food-recall-warnings/complete-listing/2019-07-09/eng/1562715652993/1562715655270) provides an opportunity to outline patient testing for Listeria.

Advice from Public Health Ontario regarding laboratory testing for listeriosis is summarized in the table on the following page for convenience. The full PHO PDF document can be accessed at

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Blastomycosis case, Ottawa, presumptive local exposure

A case of blastomycosis in an Ottawa resident has been reported to Ottawa Public Health (OPH). The lack of history of travel outside of Ottawa within the incubation period suggests local exposure. OPH is writing to alert you that this rare disease can present in Ottawa residents as a result of exposure in central Canada or central or midwestern United States, including local exposure.

Blastomycosis is an infection resulting from inhalation of Blastomyces fungal spores found in moist soil and...

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Increased Rates of Infectious Syphilis in Men and Women : Clinical Management Resources

From 2013 to 2018, there was an approximately 400% increase in the number and rates of infectious syphilis cases in Ottawa, from 30 cases in 2013 (rate 3.2 cases per 100,000 population) to 159 cases in 2018 (rate 15.9 cases per 100,000 population). While 84% of infectious syphilis cases from April 2018 to March 2019 were male and 82% of such males reported same sex partners, new diagnoses have been identified among women in their 20s reporting exclusively male sex partners and during antenatal...

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Registration Now Open : 2nd Annual Accredited CME for Family Physicians, Ottawa Public Health

This family physician update returns to the St. Elias Centre for a 2nd annual accredited group learning activity hosted by Ottawa Public Health. Working in partnership with University of Ottawa’s Office of Continuing Professional Development, OPH brings an evening of interactive learnings and networking opportunities to help primary care providers meet their educational needs where public health duties intersect.

This continuing professional development event for Ottawa family physicians...

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