Diseases of Public Health Significance Reporting

Alert Date
Location
Windsor-Essex County

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) would like to highlight the importance of timely reporting of all Diseases of Public Health Significance (DoPHS), including all suspected and confirmed cases and cases awaiting lab results, as per the requirements listed in the Ontario Regulation 135/18 and amendments under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA), R.S.O. 1990.
 
Steps to take in reporting DOPHS:

  1. Identification of the disease in question
    Identify if the suspected or confirmed disease is reportable according to the Diseases of Public Health Significance.
  2. Determine the urgency
    Confirm if the disease is under the “report immediately” or the “report by next working day” section.
  3. Testing and treatment
    Ensure investigation and treatment is initiated as per the disease protocol and all specimens are collected as required6.
  4. Report
    Complete the appropriate Investigation and Reporting Forms found on the WECHU website3 and fax to 226-783-2132. 

For after hours, weekends and holidays, fax “report immediately” DoPHS reporting forms to 226-783-2113 AND phone 519-973-4510

As indicated on the Public Health Practice domain of the Accountability Framework outlined in Ontario Public Health Standards, boards of health will be held accountable for achieving a high standard and quality of practice in the delivery of public health programs and services5. The reporting of all probable and confirmed DOPHS in a timely manner will ensure accountability and support prompt public health action.

ADDITIONAL READING AND RESOURCES

  1. Government of Ontario, 2026: Ontario Regulation 135/18: Designation of Diseases
  2. Government of Ontario, 2026: Health Protection and Promotion Act (R.S.O. 1990, c. H.7)
  3. Diseases of Public Health Significance: Investigation and Reporting Forms | The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
  4. Diseases of Public Health Significance | The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
  5. Ministry of Health, 2021: Requirements for Programs, Services and Accountability
  6. Public Health Ontario, 2026: Laboratory Services - Test Information Index