Distributed by e-mail August 14, 2015
This update provides information on the following:
- Diarrheal infections (cryptosporidium and giardia)
- Cyclospora update
- Affirming and safe care for LGBT2Q+ patients
1. Diarrheal infections (cryptosporidium and giardia)
There has been a recent increase in the number of cryptosporidium and giardia infections reported in Middlesex-London and across Ontario. The number of cases is higher than what would be expected for this time of the year, which already is normally our peak season. Cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis are diarrheal infections which can be spread from person to person, or through contaminated water or food.
While some cases are associated with international travel, others appear to have been acquired within Ontario. No suspect food sources or exposure locations have been identified so far. The Middlesex-London Health Unit’s local investigation of these cases is ongoing.
2. Cyclospora update
Although it has not been prevalent in our region, an increase in the number of domestically-acquired cyclosporiasis cases in Canada and the United States has received media attention recently. So far, 75 non-travel related cases have been reported nationally, including 68 in Ontario, three in British Columbia, three in Québec and one in Alberta. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has issued a public health alert in relation to this situation and is leading an outbreak investigation involving local and provincial public health agencies. So far, no definitive sources of the infection have been identified.
In Middlesex-London, six cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported so far this year, exceeding the average over the last five years; only one of these cases has been found to be locally acquired.
For additional information, including treatment guidelines, please visit the CDC’s cyclosporiasis webpage for health professionals. http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/cyclosporiasis/health_professionals/tx.html
3. Affirming and safe care for LGBT2Q+ patients
There is an urgent and growing need for healthcare providers who are able to provide affirming and safe care to local Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Two-Spirit and Queer (LGBT2Q+) patients. Access to services and care can present a significant challenge for this population. As part of its goal to gather and share available resources and services that pertain to these clients, the LGBT2Q+ Network would be pleased to hear from physicians who would like to be included in the Network’s resource list.
In particular, the Network is seeking physicians who are able to provide care to transgender patients. The Network can provide support and resources for healthcare providers who would like more information about how to become involved. For details, please contact Leanne Powell, Public Health Nurse with the Middlesex-London Health Unit at 519-663-5317, extension 2352 or by email at Leanne.powell@mlhu.on.ca.