Quick Reference for Detecting Outbreaks

Suspect an outbreak when:

Respiratory	COVID-19	Enteric
Two cases* within 48 hours with an epidemiological link (e.g., floor or unit) OR One laboratory confirmed case of influenza	One positive resident/patient who has reasonably acquired infection at the facility	There are more cases** than normal, based on surveillance data

Outbreak confirmed when:

Respiratory	COVID-19	Enteric
Three cases* within 48 hours with an epidemiological link (e.g., floor or unit) OR There are two cases* within 48 hours in one area, one of which has a laboratory confirmed respiratory infection	Two or more residents/patients in the same area (e.g., floor or unit) who are positive for COVID-19 within a 7-day period where both cases have reasonably acquired infection at the facility	There are two or more cases** with an epidemiological link (e.g., unit or floor within 48 hours)

*Respiratory case: a resident/staff with two or more respiratory symptoms (e.g., runny nose, cough, fever, sore throat, etc.) that are new/worsening and cannot be explained by other causes (e.g., allergies).
**Enteric case: a resident/staff with two or more episodes of vomiting and/or diarrhea in a 24-hour period that cannot be explained by other causes (e.g., laxatives).

Next Steps:

1. DON'T WAIT, ISOLATE! Follow routine practices in addition to:

Respiratory	COVID-19	Enteric
Contact/Droplet precautions (gowns, gloves, eye protection, surgical mask)	Contact/Droplet precautions (gowns, gloves, eye protection, N95 or surgical mask)	Contact precautions (gown, gloves). Droplet precautions as needed (splashes)

Continue precautions until...

Respiratory	COVID-19	Enteric
5 days after the onset of symptoms or until symptoms resolve, whichever is shorter	Until 10 days from symptom onset or positive test*	Until symptoms have resolved for at least 48 hours

*COVID-19 positive residents of LTCH/RH/CLS who are able to independently/consistently wear a mask may leave their room/participate in activities provided they meet certain criteria. See the Ministry of Health's Recommendations for Outbreak Prevention an Control in Institutions and Congregate Living Settings for additional information.
**Individuals requiring ICU level care for severe COVID-19 illness are to isolate 20 days from symptom onset or positive test (MOH, March 2024: Infectious Diseases Protocol, Appendix 1).

2. Start a line listing. Use a separate page for each affected unit and a separate page for staff.

3. Contact the Communicable Disease Control Program at the Health Unit.
Business hours: contact the staff assigned to your facility or 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808 ext. 5229.
After hours: contact 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, then press "0" for the answering service.

When contacting the Health Unit be prepared to answer the following questions:

• The symptoms that residents/patients are experiencing.
• Date of onset of symptoms for each resident/patient.
• The number of residents and staff within the facility and on the unit where an outbreak is suspected.

 

Last updated: July 2024