SUBJECT: Fall 2025 Infectious Disease Preparedness and Prevention

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

As the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) prepares for the upcoming respiratory season, we are focusing on several important initiatives to protect our most vulnerable residents and prevent the spread of illness in the community. Fall and winter typically bring an increase in respiratory illnesses like influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and measles. These illnesses spread more easily in places where people live or gather closely; like schools, long-term care homes, shelters, childcare centres, and other congregate living settings.

The WECHU’s role goes beyond just responding to individual cases. We work proactively to monitor local disease trends, identify risks early, and support facilities and community partners with education, planning, and infection prevention measures. 

This report highlights our key activities for Fall 2025, including our new IPAC Impact Initiative, infection prevention and control workshops for congregate and childcare settings, and our efforts towards enhancing emergency preparedness for measles. 

DISCUSSION

IPAC Impact Initiative

This fall marks the launch of WECHU’s IPAC Impact Initiative, a targeted evidence informed program designed to improve infection prevention and control (IPAC) practices in high-risk congregate living settings. In year one, efforts will be targeted within select highest risk facilities identified through an in-depth analysis of outbreak data from 2021–2024. These prioritized facilities have a risk profile identifying a history of frequent and/or long-lasting outbreaks, compared to like facilities in the Windsor-Essex region.

The initiative focuses on helping facility staff build stronger and sustainable infection control practices through direct support, training, and resource development. Public health staff will conduct regular on-site visits to audit current practices, identify gaps, and co-develop tailored improvement plans. The goal is to reduce the frequency and duration of outbreaks, improve disease prevention strategies for residents and staff, and build sustainable practices. Frequent follow-ups and data monitoring will create a baseline and help track progress over time.

Workshops and Education: Congregate Living & Childcare Settings

To support broader IPAC capacity across congregate sectors—such as long-term care homes, retirement homes, childcare centres, and other similar settings—the WECHU will host two key workshops this fall:

• On October 21, 2025, during Infection Control Week, the WECHU will host a Respiratory Season Preparedness Workshop for staff and administrators from congregate care living settings including Long Term Care Homes and Retirement Homes. This session will focus on best practices in outbreak prevention, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), respiratory illness testing, cleaning and disinfection, and immunizations
• On November 19, 2025, we will offer an IPAC Workshop for Child Care Centres. This annual workshop is designed to help child-care operators improve their infection control practices. It includes guidance on cleaning and hygiene routines, how to respond to suspected illness, and how to manage and report outbreaks. We’ll also provide up-to-date information on immunization recommendations and processes and share tools that can be used to maintain a safe, healthy environment for children and staff.

Measles Preparedness for Schools

Due to rising measles activity in Ontario—over 2,300 cases reported as of mid-August, including 150 cases in Windsor-Essex—the WECHU is supporting local schools and childcare centres with clear, easy-to-follow resources for the 2025–2026 school year. A memo was sent to all school administrators outlining response steps if a student has measles, guidelines for excluding unvaccinated individuals during an exposure, processes for collecting and submitting proof of immunity, and details on WECHU’s support role, including the availability of on-site nursing support when needed.

The WECHU has also developed proactive education materials to support both staff and school communities in measles preparedness. This includes a parent-focused resource designed to help families understand prevention measures, recognize symptoms, and follow public health guidance if exposed. A key focus of these materials is reinforcing the importance of staying up to date with vaccinations.