The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care have set case definition criteria for outbreaks:
ARI Outbreaks in LTCH, RH and Other Congregate Living Settings
Suspect Respiratory Outbreak:
- Two or more patient/resident cases of acute respiratory infections (ARI)with symptom onset within 48 hours and an epidemiological link (e.g., same unit/floor/service area) suggestive of transmission within the setting AND testing is not available or all negative.
Confirmed Respiratory Outbreak:
-
Two or more patient/resident cases of test-confirmed acute respiratory infections (ARI) with symptom onset within 48 hours and an epidemiological link (e.g. same unit/floor/service area) suggestive of transmission within the setting.
OR
- Three or more patient/resident cases of ARI with symptom onset within 48 hours and an epidemiological link suggestive of transmission within the setting AND testing is not available or all negative.
Client Case Definition:
- Two or more new symptoms for the individual.
Clinical Compatible Signs & Symptoms:
- Fever/abnormal temperature
- Dry cough
- Productive cough
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
- Congestion/sneezing
- Sore Throat/hoarseness
- Muscle aches
- Malaise/fatigue
For more information, refer to Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care document,
Recommendations for Outbreak Prevention and Control in Institutions and Congregate Living Settings, October 2024 or as current and Appendix 1: Case Definitions and Disease-Specific Information: Respiratory Infection Outbreaks in Institutions and Public Hospitals, September 2024