Distributed by e-mail January 31, 2014
This update provides information on the following:
- Serogroup B meningococcal disease in a student at Western
- New reportable diseases
- Measles outbreak in the Philippines
- Review of immunization information for elementary school students
1. Serogroup B meningococcal disease in a student at Western
A student at Western was diagnosed with meningococcal disease that has been identified as serogroup B. Close contacts have been offered antibiotic prophylaxis. The risk of subsequent cases is low; however, students have been advised of symptoms of meningococcal disease and to seek medical care if they develop. They have also been advised to avoid sharing objects that have been in other people’s mouths.
2. New reportable diseases
There have been a few additions and deletions to the list of reportable diseases; an updated list is attached. The two diseases that have been added to the list of reportable diseases are:
- Acute Flaccid Paralysis in children less than 15 years of age; and
- Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning
Reportable Disease List (PDF 28KB) is available for download and printing.
Acute flaccid paralysis
Acute flaccid paralysis in children less than 15 years of age is being reported so that polio can be investigated and ruled-out. This is important for Canada to be able to maintain its polio-free certification.
Additional information on acute flaccid paralysis reporting can found as follows:
- Acute Flaccid Paralysis-Disease Specific Chapter, Infectious Disease Protocol
- Acute Flaccid Paralysis-Provincial Case Definition, Infectious Disease Protocol
Paralytic shellfish poisoning
Paralytic shellfish poisoning results from eating shellfish that contain toxins that are produced during algae blooms. Symptoms include numbness and/or paralysis of the mouth, neck, face or extremities that starts within 12 hours of eating contaminated shellfish; onset is usually within 30 minute to 3 hours. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain may be present. Death can occur as a result of paralysis of respiratory muscles.
Additional information on paralytic shellfish poisoning can be found as follows:
- Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning-Disease Specific Chapter, Infectious Disease Protocol
- Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning-Provincial Case Definition, Infectious Disease Protocol
3. Measles outbreak in the Philippines
There is a large measles outbreak in the Philippines which has resulted in 6 measles cases imported to Canada. Please ensure that travellers to the Philippines obtain a travel medicine consultation and are appropriately immunized against measles as per the Canadian Immunization Guide. Please consider measles in returning travellers from the Philippines or individuals who may have had contact with returning travellers. Signs and symptoms of measles can be found on the following web site http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/im/vpd-mev/measles-rougeole-eng.php . Please contact the Health Unit if you suspect measles (519-663-5317 ext. 2330).
4. Review of immunization information for elementary school students
We have begun to review the immunization information for elementary schools students. This may result in increased calls to your office for immunization records or requests for vaccination. The Health Unit’s walk-in immunization clinic is also available to provide missing vaccinations https://www.healthunit.com/immunization-clinic.