ARI Outbreaks in All Congregate Living Settings and Child Care
The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care have set case definition criteria for outbreaks:
ARI Outbreaks in LTCH, RH and Other Congregate Living Settings
Suspect Respiratory Outbreak:
- Two or more client cases of acute respiratory infections (ARI) with symptom onset within 48 hours and an epidemiological link (e.g., same unit/floor/service area) suggestive of transmission within the setting AND testing is not available or all negative.
Confirmed Respiratory Outbreak:
-
Two or more client cases of test-confirmed acute respiratory infections (ARI) with symptom onset within 48 hours and an epidemiological link (e.g. same unit/floor/service area) suggestive of transmission within the setting.
OR
- Three or more client cases of ARI with symptom onset within 48 hours and an epidemiological link suggestive of transmission within the setting AND testing is not available or all negative.
Client Case Definition:
- Two or more new and unexplained respiratory symptoms not attributed to an underlying medical condition (e.g., COPD, allergies, etc.) for the individual.
Clinically 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 document:
-
Recommendations for Outbreak Prevention and Control in Institutions and Congregate Living Settings, February 2025 or as current
-
Appendix 1: Case Definitions and Disease-Specific Information: Respiratory Infection Outbreaks in Institutions and Public Hospitals, September 2025 or as current
- Appendix 1: Case Definitions and Disease-Specific Information Disease: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), October 2024 or as current
- Appendix 1: Case Definitions and Disease-Specific Information Disease: Influenza August 2024 or as current