What is an Outbreak?
An outbreak is generally a sudden increase in the number of cases of an infection which exceeds what would normally be expected for that setting.
If you suspect an outbreak, break the chain of transmission, and implement outbreak controls.
The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care have set case definition criteria for outbreaks:
Provincial Guidelines
- Ministry of Health:
- Recommendations for Outbreak Prevention and Control in Institutions and Congregate Living Settings, February 2025 or as current
Our role is to provide effective support and assistance in the identification, prevention, and management of outbreaks as mandated by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
It is the responsibility of the facility to manage the outbreak as mandated by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care in cooperation with the WECHU. Every facility should create an Outbreak Management Team (OMT) to collaborate with the WECHU.
The OMT works in collaboration with external and internal partners to investigate, manage, and control a suspect or confirmed outbreak. To provide a comprehensive approach to outbreak management, each facility should strive to have a representative from all departments in addition to the IPAC Lead as a member of the OMT.
The OMT is encouraged to meet daily during an outbreak to ensure the following:
- Line listings are accurate and updated daily.
- Cases added to the line list(s) meet outbreak definition.
- Surveillance is being conducted.
- Outbreak control measures are being implemented and maintained.
- Provide adequate coverage for staff absences (i.e., designate an alternate person who is knowledgeable of the outbreak process to fax inline listings).
- Communicate effectively with staff, residents, families, and volunteers.
Prompt reporting of an outbreak results in a rapid response in the initiation of infection prevention and control (IPAC) measures. This can help to decrease the length and severity of the outbreak.
Healthcare facilities and institutions are legally required to report outbreaks. If you suspect an outbreak, fax a completed initial Comprehensive Line List to WECHU at 519-977-5097.
Contact the Infectious Disease Prevention (IDP) Hotline to discuss outbreak management and control measures with a member of the IPAC Hub Team.
Regular Business Hours Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm |
After hours, weekends and holidays |
519-258-2146 ext. 1420 | 519-973-4510 |
Track and monitor client and staff cases on line listing forms. Fax the Comprehensive Line List before 10:00 AM daily; including on holidays and weekends to 519-977-5097.
ONLY add clients and staff to line listing that meet the WECHU-provided case definition.
Notify the WECHU of all line listed clients and staff:
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who are hospitalized
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with chest x-ray confirmed cases of pneumonia
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receiving antivirals
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receiving antibiotics
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deaths
- Comprehensive Line List
Outbreak Control Measures
Each facility should evaluate and update their outbreak policies and procedures regularly in accordance with evidence-based practices and ensure staff, volunteers, and students are educated on outbreak management and control.
Lab Testing Guidelines
The Outbreak Number (2268 - YYYY - _______) provided by the WECHU for suspect and confirmed outbreaks is required on all lab requisitions and WECHU Forms.
Complete all lab requisitions in its entirety with your facility address. Two matching client identifiers are required on both the sample and Lab Requisitions.
RESCINDING AN OUTBREAK |
Rescinding a Respiratory Outbreak The outbreak may be declared over and rescinded after 8 days from the onset of the last client case or 3 days from the last day of work of an ill staff, whichever is longer. |
Rescinding Enteric Outbreak: The outbreak is rescinded on a case-by-case basis and can vary depending on the organism.
OR
|
The WECHU will notify the facility when outbreak meets conditions to be declared over.
A formal Rescind Notification Advisory will be forwarded to your facility once all documents required are received..
Fax in the Final Respiratory Outbreak Report for all respiratory outbreaks.
Additional Resources:
- Infection Prevention: Tips to Avoid Getting Sick - ENG
- Infection Prevention: Tips to Avoid Getting Sick - FRE
- Common Cold (Viral Upper Respiratory Infection)
- Enterovirus D68
- Disease of Public Health Significance: Investigation and Reporting Forms
- IPAC Self-Assessment Audit for Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes
- IPAC Checklist for Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes
- Managing COVID-19 Outbreaks in Congregate Living Settings
- COVID-19 Preparedness and Prevention in Congregate Living Settings