Outbreak Resources for Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes
Outbreaks can spread quickly in long-term care and retirement homes. Knowing how to recognize, manage, and report them can help keep residents and staff safe.
Outbreak case definitions
A case definition helps you decide who should be considered part of an outbreak. This definition is made by looking at:
- Symptoms
- Time
- Place
- Person
Each type of outbreak has a different case definition. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand them.
| Type of outbreak | Suspect definition | Confirmed definition |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory (COVID-19, Influenza, and other acute respiratory infections) | Two residents/clients develop symptoms of an acute respiratory infection within 48 hours and have an epidemiological link (for example, same unit or floor). Applies when testing is not available or results are negative. |
|
| Enteric | If an outbreak is suspected, contact your local public health unit immediately for investigation and management support. | Two or more residents/clients with symptoms of gastroenteritis (for example, diarrhea or vomiting) within 48 hours, with a common link (for example, same unit or floor). |
Respiratory, influenza, and COVID-19 outbreaks
Case definitions for these outbreaks can change depending on the situation. Here’s what to know:
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Use the Infectious Diseases Protocol to help create your case definition
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For COVID-19 outbreaks in high-risk settings (like long-term care homes), check the novel coronavirus appendix for specific guidance.
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Case definitions should:
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Fit the type of illness and outbreak situation
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Be updated as the outbreak changes to make sure most cases are included
Enteric outbreaks
For enteric outbreaks, symptoms can’t be explained by something else (like medicine or diet). A case meets the definition if:
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Two or more episodes of diarrhea in 24 hours, or
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Two or more episodes of vomiting in 24 hours, or
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One episode of diarrhea and one episode of vomiting in 24 hours
How do you report an outbreak?
If you suspect an outbreak, contact Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) to discuss next steps.
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St. Thomas site: 1-800-922-0096 ext. 3500
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Woodstock site: 1-800-922-0096 ext. 3500
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After hours, weekends and holidays: 1-800-922-0096 ext. 0
How do we control an outbreak?
Each LTCH should annually review outbreak policies and ensure staff are trained. Resources to help you manage include:
- Summary of Outbreak Control Measures for LTCH's, RH's and CLS's
- Quick Reference to Outbreak Control and Management for LTCH's and RHs
- Management of Residents with Respiratory Symptoms
- Management of Residents with Enteric Symptoms
- Management of Symptomatic Staff in LTCH/RH
Lab testing during an outbreak
Lab testing is key to confirming and managing outbreaks. Call SWPH to discuss specimen collection and order kits:
To order additional enteric outbreak kits, please call SWPH at 1-800-922-0096 and ask to speak to a member of the Infectious Diseases Team.
Contact Us
Southwestern Public Health (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday)
St. Thomas Site
(Administrative office)
1230 Talbot Street
St. Thomas, ON N5P 1G9
Woodstock Site
410 Buller Street
Woodstock, ON N4S 4N2
Call us toll free: 1-800-922-0096
Email us
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