Outbreaks occur when the usual incidence of disease in a hospital, long-term care or retirement home is exceeded at any given time. Early identification of an outbreak is essential since the implementation of precautions and therapeutic interventions can prevent the spread of infection and decrease the morbidity and mortality of a very frail, compromised population. For more information, please review our Outbreak Management Quick Reference Guide.
For information on COVID-19, please visit our COVID-19 Resources for Health Care Providers page.
You may also wish to view any open outbreaks in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties on our Facility Outbreaks page.
Additional Information for Institutional Health Care Providers:
- A Guide to the Control of Gastroenteritis Outbreaks in Long-Term Care Homes
- A Guide to the Control of Respiratory Infection Outbreaks in Long-Term Care Homes
- Best Practice Documents – Provincial Infectious Disease Advisory Committee (PIDAC)
- Food Premises Regulation
- Laboratory Services (Public Health Ontario Laboratory)
- Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority
TB Screening in Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes
Each resident admitted to a long-term care or retirement home must undergo a medical history and physical exam by a physician or nurse practitioner within 90 days prior to admission or 14 days after admission. This assessment should include a symptom review for respiratory TB.
If symptoms suggest possible active TB disease, the resident should not be admitted and should complete:
- A posteroanterior and lateral chest X-ray.
- Three sputum samples taken at least one hour apart submitted to the Public Health Laboratory for testing (Acid Fast Bacilli and Culture). Note: It can take up to 8 weeks for a culture report.
Detailed recommendations, including requirements for staff screening can be found in our Recommendations for Tuberculosis (TB) Screening in Long Term Care and Retirement Homes resource.
