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Outbreak Management in Institutions, Childcare, and other Congregate Settings

Outbreak Management in Institutions, Childcare, and other Congregate Settings

Updates to outbreak management reporting and resources

Please note Halton Region Public Health has a streamlined approach for reporting and managing respiratory and enteric outbreaks. Refer to the new resources listed in the following sections (line lists, outbreak checklist, test reference sheet, and other files).

Early identification of outbreaks

Conduct surveillance

  • Entry Screening for Symptoms and exposures in staff, visitors, and returning residents
  • Daily Resident/ Children and/ Staff screening for symptoms
    • Respiratory symptoms: at least two or more unexpected or new respiratory symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, stuffy nose, cough, congestion, fever, sore throat or hoarseness or difficulty swallowing, chills, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, malaise, muscle pain or headache
    • Gastrointestinal symptoms: at least two unexpected episodes of diarrhea (loose/ watery bowl movements) and/or vomiting within 24 hours.

Report the outbreak

Contact Halton Region Public Health immediately if you suspect or have confirmation of an outbreak.

  • Respiratory: Two patient/resident cases of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) with symptom onset within 48 hours with an epidemiological link (for example, same unit/floor/service area) suggestive of transmission in the setting and testing is not available or all negative.
  • Gastrointestinal: Symptoms of gastrointestinal illness occurring in two or more residents/ children/ staff within 48 hours, with a common epidemiological link (such as same unit or floor).
  • Timely reporting of outbreaks is essential for their control and to prevent further spread of infectious diseases.
  • Facilities must report suspected outbreaks and/or reportable diseases (Disease of Public Health Significance) to Halton Region Public Health as outlined in the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.H.7, Regulation 135/18 (external link).

Outbreak management

  • The outbreak investigator will assess the outbreak to see if criteria has been met, then review public health recommendations and IPAC Measures to implement to reduce further transmission of illness.
  • LTCHs, RHs, and Independent Living Settings are required to complete an Outbreak Control Measures Assessment Form.
  • Submit outbreak line lists daily to Halton Public Health by 12 p.m.
  • Consult with Halton Region Public Health before submitting outbreak specimens for laboratory testing. The Outbreak Investigator will provide the outbreak number and provide details on submitting the specimens.
  • An investigator will review your documents daily and will follow up with you to clarify details and provide further guidance, as needed. The outbreak investigator will declare the outbreak over when appropriate.

Outbreak management resources for LTCH/RR/CCC

Halton Region Public Health

Halton IPAC Hub

Ministry of Health

Public Health Ontario

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