An outbreak is a sudden increase in the number of cases of an infection which exceeds what would normally be expected for that setting, such as a school, workplace, or neighbourhood.
It may sometimes be called an Epidemic if a disease spreads quickly to a large number of people in a community, region, or province. This is larger than an outbreak but smaller than a Pandemic which involves multiple countries, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The WECHU works every day to try to prevent and control disease spread. However, it is important to know how to prevent infections before they happen and help control the spread of disease to help keep each other safe.
During any type of disease outbreak, you can help to prevent the spread of disease by:
- Practicing good hand hygiene
- Keeping your families’ vaccinations up to date
- Ensure your children’s immunization records are up to date with the health unit to avoid school exclusions.
- Wearing a well fitted mask, only when recommended
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- If you are sick, stay home and isolate from others. Only return to normal activities, school/work, after symptoms have improved and you are fever free for 24 hours.