Distributed by e-mail February 4, 2015
This update provides information on the following:
- Changes to MLHU after-hours phone number and Infantline telephone support service
- Provincial measles situation update
1. Changes to MLHU after-hours phone number and Infantline telephone support service
As of February 2nd, 2015, the Middlesex-London Health Unit has changed its after-hours telephone service provider. As a result, there are a few changes you should be aware of.
First, the previous direct after-hours phone number (519-675-7523) will no longer be in service. Instead, to reach the Health Unit or the Medical Officer of Health on-call after-hours, please dial the main MLHU number (519-663-5317) and choose option 2.
Second, the Middlesex-London Health Unit will no longer offer its afterhours Infantline telephone support service, as of this week. Telehealth Ontario has developed the capacity to provide this support province-wide, including having a lactation consultant available 24hrs/day. For patient questions or concerns related to an infant health or breastfeeding support after hours, please refer patients to Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.
Telephone support is still available during office hours (8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday), through the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s Health Connection telephone support service (519-663-5317, ext. 2280). Patients or providers can speak to a Public Health Nurse about for breastfeeding and infant health, child development, parenting, and other services provided by the Middlesex London Health Unit, and information about local community services.
2. Provincial measles situation update
You are likely aware that there is a major multi-state outbreak of measles in the US and that four cases have recently been confirmed by PCR in Toronto. There is currently no link between any of the four Toronto cases, indicating there is spread occurring in multiple places. Three of the four cases were unimmunized, while the fourth had received one dose of the MMR vaccine. It is expected that the number of measles cases will increase before the Toronto outbreak is resolved.
We would ask that you consider measles as a possible diagnosis when assessing patients with compatible signs and symptoms. For information on testing, please see Public Health Ontario’s PCR testing guidelines and serology testing guidelines. Please note: it is important to do PCR testing. An IgM positive test in the absence of known exposure is likely to be a false positive.
Uptake of MMR vaccine in Middlesex-London is high. Although we have had cases of measles imported from endemic regions in the past, we have not usually had significant spread outside of the small populations of under-immunized groups in our region.
For futher information and for to access PHO Measles updates for Clinicians please visit the Public Health Ontario Measles webpage.