Annual Reports provide a summary of reportable diseases in Windosr-Essex County. The information contained provides the evidence necessary to identify key trends in reportable diseases and health issues of local public health significance.
Monthly Reports summarize the most recent reportable disease data and provide a snapshot of current reportable disease activity in the community.
The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care have set case definition criteria for outbreaks:
Suspect COVID-19 Outbreak:
Information and resources for infection prevention and control (IPAC).
Ontario Regulation 136/18 Personal Service Settings requires that WECHU regularly inspect and respond to complaints regarding infection prevention and also provide education to owners/operators and staff about safe practices that reduce the risk of transmitting infections to clients and staff during the delivery of personal settings.
The best ways to prevent any STI...
Use condoms, know your partner’s sexual history, get tested before having sex, or abstain from sex altogether.
What is a “window period”?
WINDOW PERIOD means that you may be infected with something, but the test may be negative because you were tested too early.
It is important for pregnant individuals to get the flu vaccine to protect their infant in the first 6 months of life. Below are some common questions and answers regarding pregnancy and the flu vaccine. We encourage you to contact your health care provider or the Health Unit for more information.
Obtain a stool collection kit and ensure it is current. Check the expiration date. Vials should be filled in order, by colour
Respiratory virus packs normally contain materials sufficient for 4 to 6 swabs for culture of respiratory viruses such as influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus.
Failure to fill out the lab requisition properly could result in rejection of the sample, or cause a delay in test result reporting. Leaking specimens will not be processed!
Botulism is a rare infection caused by the bacteria, Clostridium botulinum. These germs make a toxin (poison) that affects your nervous system and can cause paralysis. This germ is found worldwide in soil and dust and also can be found in the intestines of animals.