April 2018

Volume 23 ∙ Number 4

CHANGES TO REPORTABLE DISEASES EFFECTIVE in 2018

In order to streamline and provide clarity on the designation of diseases whether they are reportable, communicable and/or virulent, these lists will be combined and referred to as the list of Diseases of Public Health Significance. There are changes for health care providers related to the reporting of Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) and some of the diseases. Some of the changes came into effect in January 2018 and others May 2018. For details, on what has changed go to:  New and Updated Reporting Requirements Under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.

CHANGES TO THE IMMUNIZATION OF SCHOOL PUPILS ACT (ISPA)

Starting July 1, 2018, the ISPA will require health care providers to report immunizations administered to children for the designated diseases to Public Health. The vaccines are: tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella and meningococcal disease. The updated regulation includes an online web application, Immunization Connect Ontario for health care providers to submit immunization records to public health. For details, go to: New Vaccine Reporting Requirements Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) .

Tdap in Pregnancy

The Canadian National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) and The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) now recommend immunization with the Tdap vaccine (Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Reduced Acellular Pertussis) in every pregnancy, irrespective of previous immunization history. The SOGC recommends immunization to be provided ideally between 21 and 32 weeks of gestational age, but evidence supports vaccination as early as 13 weeks, up to the time of delivery, in certain circumstances (i.e. risk of preterm birth). SOGC has prepared a Q & A on Tdap vaccination in pregnancy.

Shellfish Outbreaks

Ontario is currently involved in a national norovirus/gastrointestinal outbreak linked to oysters from British Columbia. The current outbreak was declared on April 11, 2018. Cases started being identified in mid-March and as of April 16, 2018 there have been 126 laboratory-confirmed or clinical cases reported in British Columbia (92 cases), Ontario (25 cases) and Alberta (9 cases). A Public Health Notice was released by the Public Health Agency of Canada on April 16, 2018. The notice provides food safety information related to oysters, including recommending cooking oysters to 90°C (194°F) for a minimum of 90 seconds to eliminate norovirus.

A similar norovirus outbreak occurred beginning in December 2016. A total of 331 clinical cases linked to oyster consumption were reported in British Columbia (230 cases), Ontario (59 cases) and Alberta (42 cases) with onset dates between December 2016 and March 2017. Although several oyster harvest areas (landfiles) were closed, the source of the contamination was not determined.

For more information, contact Public Health Inspectors: 

Ravi Shahe or Gillian Pacey at 705-743-1000.

Younger Siblings of Children with ASD

Younger siblings of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are at high risk of also being diagnosed with the condition: over 18% of these siblings will receive a diagnosis.

Read more.

Powering Off Screens for Kids Health

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Peterborough Golf and County Club, 1030 Armour Rd, Peterborough

2 sessions: Noon - 4:30 p.m. (registration at 11:30) and/or 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (panel) 

Join us for a FREE workshop to learn about the importance of reducing screen time, increasing physical activity, building a balanced day, and the impact of excessive screen time on self-regulation in children.

To learn more about this event or to register click here or for more information contact, Claire Townshend, [email protected] or 705 743 1000, ext. 355.

EatRight Ontario (contact a Registered Dietitian for free nutrition advice) has been discontinued.

As of April 2, 2018, Ontarians can access free, expert nutrition advice from Registered Dietitians via the following website UnlockFood.ca , which now features the bilingual, evidence based content written by Registered Dietitians (previously found at EatRightOntario.ca). Ontarians can ask to speak to a Registered Dietitian by calling Telehealth Ontario Toll-free at 1-866-797-0000 or Toll-free TTY at 1-866-797-0007.

Find the complete, printable version of this issue and past editions of the FYI Newsletter

on the Health Care Professionals section of our website .