Outbreak Resources

Respiratory and gastroenteritis outbreaks in institutions are reportable to the Medical Officer of Health as stated in Ontario Regulation 559/91 under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.

To report a suspect or confirmed outbreak to the Middlesex-London Health Unit, please call 519-663-5317 ext. 2330 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and 519-663-5317 (option 2) after hours and on weekends and holidays.

Recommendations for the Control of Gastroenteritis Outbreaks in Long-Term Care Home (PDF)

Control of Respiratory Infection Outbreaks in Long-Term Care Homes (PDF)

Outbreak Signs

• Outbreak Sign (PDF)
• Wash Your Hands Sign (PDF)

Influenza Outbreaks

• Influenza for Healthcare Providers

Respiratory Outbreaks

• A Guide to the Control of Respiratory Infection Outbreaks in Long-Term Care Homes 2018 (PDF)
• Respiratory Line List 
• How To Do A Nasopharyngeal Swab

Enteric Outbreaks

• Control of Gastroenteritis Outbreaks in Long-Term Care Homes (2018) (PDF)
• Gastroenteric Line List 
• Enteric Specimen Collection Instructions

Clostridium Difficile Outbreaks

• Clostridium Difficile Infection: Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Management in Acute Care Settings - Public Health Agency of Canada
• Testing, Surveillance and Management of Clostridium difficile in all health care settings. 2013. Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee (PIDAC)

Best Practices Documents

• Routine Practices and Additional Precautions in all health care settings - Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee