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Outbreak Information:

Updated – April 11, 2024

If your facility is experiencing an outbreak, or you suspect an outbreak at your facility, you must report it to Peterborough Public Health.  To report your outbreak use the online PPH Respiratory and Enteric Outbreak Reporting Form, or call us at 705-743-1000, ext. 511.

If you are reporting an outbreak outside of ‘regular business hours‘, please contact us at 705-760-8127.

Please refer to the Initial Control Measures document while you wait for a Public Health staff member to get back to you.

When to notify Peterborough Public Health: Respiratory Outbreak

A CONFIRMED RESPIRATORY INFECTION OUTBREAK IN A LONG-TERM CARE HOME IS DEFINED AS:

Two cases of acute respiratory tract illness, at least one of which must be laboratory confirmed,

OR

Three cases of acute respiratory tract illness occurring within 48 hours in a geographic area (e.g. unit, floor);

OR

More than two units having a case of acute respiratory tract illness within 48 hours

OR

COVID-19: One positive PCR OR rapid molecular test OR rapid antigen test in a resident/patient (individual who lives in the setting) who has reasonably acquired their infection in the setting

Signs and symptoms may include:

  • Runny nose or sneezing;
  • Stuffy nose (i.e. congestion);
  • Sore throat, hoarseness or difficulty swallowing;
  • Dry cough;
  • Swollen or tender glands in the neck (cervical lymphadenopathy);
  • Fever/abnormal temperature for the resident may be present, but is not required;
  • Tiredness (malaise);
  • Muscle aches (myalgia);
  • Loss of appetite;
  • Headache; and
  • Chills

If your facility is experiencing an outbreak, or you suspect an outbreak at your facility, you must report it to Peterborough Public Health.  To report your outbreak use the online PPH Respiratory and Enteric Outbreak Reporting Form, or call us at 705-743-1000, ext. 511.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000, ext. 511.

When to notify Peterborough Public Health: Gastroenteritis Outbreak

A CONFIRMED GASTROENTERITIS INFECTION OUTBREAK IN A LONG-TERM CARE HOME IS DEFINED AS:

Two or more episodes of diarrhea or watery stool (takes the form of its container) within a 24 hour period, or two or more episodes of vomiting withing a 24 hours period

or

One episode of diarrhea or watery stool (takes the form of its container) and one episode of vomiting within a 24 hour period

or

Laboratory confirmation of a known gastrointestinal pathogen and at least one symptom compatible with gastrointestinal infection (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain or tenderness)

If your facility is experiencing an outbreak, or you suspect an outbreak at your facility, you must report it to Peterborough Public Health.  To report your outbreak use the online PPH Respiratory and Enteric Outbreak Reporting Form, or call us at 705-743-1000, ext. 511.

Lab Testing Information

Specimen kits (respiratory and enteric) can be picked up and dropped off at our Provincial Public Health Laboratory located at 99 Hospital Drive.

For respiratory outbreaks, all symptomatic residents should be tested for COVID-19. These tests are nasopharyngeal swabs. Additionally, the first 4 specimens collected will be tested for other common respiratory illnesses.

For enteric outbreaks, stool specimens are collected and sent to the lab for testing. There is a maximum of 5 specimens that can be submitted to the lab for testing.

Test results will be communicated when they are available.

Information for all test kits and ordering instructions can be found here: Test Kits and Ordering Instructions

Laboratory requisitions can be found here: Respiratory and COVID-19 & General Testing Requisition

Influenza

The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC) provides influenza vaccine through the Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP).  Information about this season’s influenza vaccine products and eligibility, and additional supporting information can be found at Universal Influenza Immunization Program. Information about local influenza vaccine rollout including how to order influenza vaccine can be found at Peterborough Public Health.

Influenza/Vaccination Forms

Guidelines and Standards

For more information about the Universal Influenza Immunization program contact Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000, ext.242.

Resources and Education

 Forms

Outbreak Signage

 

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