Measles in Ontario
Public Health Ontario has been closely tracking measles cases in the province and continues to provide valuable resources to support the timely identification and management of residents suspected of having measles.
Measles in Ontario: Enhanced Epidemiological Summary
The Enhanced Epidemiological Summary report describes the epidemiology of measles in Ontario in 2024 and trends over time for 2013-2023. Case information is provided by age, sex, public health unit, severity, source of infection, and immunization status. This report will be published weekly on Thursdays, with data from the previous day. As of May 8, 2024, there are 21 confirmed measles cases in the province, reflecting an increase of seven new cases between April 25th and May 8th.
Only two of the 21 confirmed cases have been among individuals aged 40 and older.
The City of Hamilton (6) and the City of Toronto (6) have the highest number of confirmed cases in their public health unit areas among the public health units in the province.
Link: Epidemiological Summary for Measles in Ontario
PHO Hand Hygiene & PPE
Public Health Ontario has recently released new infographics designed to promote proper hand hygiene in long-term care and other healthcare facilities. The updated graphics offer clear guidance on the correct hand washing and hand rubbing techniques, with directional markings for each stage of the process. These infographics can help update existing signage to ensure consistent quality or assist in educating staff for whom English is not their first language.
Moreover, the second infographic provides detailed, step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow for properly and efficiently donning and doffing personal protective equipment. It also offers specific guidance on the types of protective equipment to be selected and worn when a resident is on contact precautions. This practical resource can be used as a tool during huddles or to replace existing signage, promoting consistent PPE donning and doffing practices among frontline staff.
Summary of Ministry Guidelines & Direction Changes: COVID-19 and Respiratory Illness Guidance Updates:
Homes must remain vigilant in following IPAC practices for COVID-19 prevention despite it being the spring.
- Minister’s Directive and related COVID-19 guidance revoked & archived online.
- New MOH guidance integrates COVID-19 measures with broader infectious illness guidance found here which outlines vaccination policies, best practices, audit requirements & general IPAC requirements.
- Last fall, new Recommendations for Outbreak Prevention and Control were released found here: which maintains masking & screening requirements in LTC.
- Recommendations for Outbreak Prevention & Control in Institutions and Congregate Living Settings document defines general recommendations for preparing & managing suspected outbreak and guidance for confirmed outbreaks including COVID-19, ARIs, Influenza, and Gastro including closing an outbreak.
- IPAC Hubs available for support, you can contact them at: IPACHubs@ontario.ca.
- Report outbreaks promptly to MLTC.
Rapid Antigen Tests: - Provincial RATs ended; PPE Supply Portal available for RAT orders while supplies last.
- Further communication before next respiratory illness season.
Spring 2024 COVID-19 Vaccine Campaign For IPAC Leads
For your Spring 2024 COVID-19 Vaccine Campaign (April-June) here are some factors to consider and talking points when counselling residents and/or their substitute decision makers about vaccination.
Those residents who have received a previous XBB.1.5 dose may receive an additional dose during this spring campaign. Residents in long-term care at an increased risk of COVID-19 due to their age and congregate living and are considered high-priority for vaccination.
Residents with underlying medical conditions that place them at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 should be prioritized for booster vaccination.
Multiple studies have demonstrated that older adults who are vaccinated against COVID-19 consistently have milder symptoms and a significantly decreased risk of hospitalization.
Vaccination Interval: 6 months; A shorter interval of 3 months upon advice of their healthcare provider based.
Concurrent Administration: The COVID-19 vaccine may be given concurrently with the influenza vaccine. There have not been any adverse interactions or diminished uptake reported. However, the Ontario Immunization Advisory Committee (OIAC) DOES NOT recommend administering the RSV (GSK) vaccine concurrently with the COVID-19 OR Influenza vaccine at this time unless there is an active outbreak of RSV, COVID-19 and Influenza within the facility or neighbouring facilities, for which the resident would benefit from vaccination. If the RSV vaccine is to be co-administered, at least 14 days before or after the COVID-19 or Influenza vaccine.
IPAC Leads should coordinate with their public health unit designate to organize for the delivery of acquire the anticipated number of COVID-19 vaccines.
If you have a resident or substitute decision maker that is vaccine hesitant, there will be a 2024 Fall Vaccine Campaign which will likely including an opportunity for vaccination against COVID-19, Influenza and RSV that they can participate in.
Of course, if you have any questions – or need support with your upcoming campaign, one of our consultants would be happy to help!
LTC-CIP Prep Course
The LTC-CIP Certification Course offers your IPAC Lead the foundational knowledge and preparatory resources required for success in the board exam.
Next Course Available: June 13, 2024
Online Unit Champion
Become a proactive advocate for infection prevention and control within your healthcare facility with Unit Champions, a comprehensive training course designed for healthcare professionals in long-term care settings
We’ve been busy!
We had a fabulous time in Collingwood for the Canadian Healthcare Engineers Society annual Ontario Chapter conference – from a picture perfect day for a round of golf, to rubbing shoulders in education sessions with facilities managers, to our wonderful Happy Hour – thank you CHES, and for all those that attended.
We hosted a Networking Event at the Rogers Centre, to watch the Toronto Blue Jays take on (and defeat!) the Pirates in a battle for the ages. Was so nice to mix business with pleasure, discussing the future of IPAC with clients from many of the industries we serve. Want to join us next year? Reach out!
We’ll save a seat a hot dog for you 😉
Then it was down to San Antonio for APIC Annual Conference! Where we took in a massive trade show floor, tried our best to attend EVERY education session, talked shop and walked the river walk until we dropped. Looking forward to next year in Phoenix!
Up next, we’ll be at:
CHESS National in Halifax (Sept. 8-10)
This is LTC 2024 in Toronto (Oct. 20-22)
