The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care have set case definition criteria for outbreaks:
Gastroenteritis in LTCH/RH and Other Congregate Ling Settings
Suspect Gastroenteritis Outbreak:
- If an outbreak is suspected, notify the local board of health to support the investigation and management.
Confirmed Gastroenteritis Outbreak:
- Two or more cases meeting the case definition with a common epidemiological link (e.g., unit, floor, same caregiver) with initial onset within a 48-hour period.
Client Case Definition:
- Two or more episodes of diarrhea (i.e. loose/watery bowel movements) within a 24-hour period,
OR
- Two or more episodes of vomiting within a 24-hour period,
OR
- One or more episodes of diarrhea AND one or more episodes of vomiting within a 24-hour period.
Clinical Compatible Signs & Symptoms:
- Fever/abnormal temperature
- Dry cough
- Productive cough
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
- Congestion/sneezing
- Sore Throat/hoarseness
- Muscle aches
- Malaise/fatigue
For more information, refer to Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care documents:
- Recommendations for the control of gastroenteritis outbreaks in long-term care homes, 2018 or as current
- Appendix 1: Case Definitions and Disease Specific Information Disease: Gastroenteritis Outbreaks in Institutions and Public Hospitals, or as current