Background information

• Monkeypox virus overview: including transmission and clinical signs / symptoms (Ontario Ministry of Health).
  
• Monkeypox virus: local update for Brant (Brant County Health Unit). 
  
• Briefing on monkeypox (PDF): a presentation that summarizes the etiology, epidemiology, symptoms, transmission, case and contact management, and IPAC precautions (Ontario Ministry of Health).
• Memo on monkeypox (PDF): discusses clinical considerations including etiology, transmission, signs / symptoms, testing, case and contact management, and IPAC precautions (Ontario Ministry of Health).
• Pathogen Safety Data Sheet for Monkeypox: provides referenced technical information on the infectious agent, transmission, etiology, treatment and vaccination, and IPAC precautions (Public Health Agency of Canada).
• Information for clinicians: includes detailed clinical information on treatment, case and contact management, and vaccination (USA Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
• Monkeypox detailed fact sheet: Provides an overview of the virus, transmission, epidemiology, clinical considerations including treatment, case and contact management, and prevention (World Health Organization).
  

• Testing information for monkeypox virus: provides information on the indications for testing, specimen collection and handling, test requisitions, reporting, and testing methods (Public Health Ontario).
  

• IPAC Recommendations for Monkeypox in Health Care Settings (PDF): a succinct summary of recommended routine and additional precautions (Public Health Ontario).
  

Reporting to Public Health:

On June 16, 2022, monkeypox was designated a Disease of Public Health Significance (DOPHS) as "Smallpox and other Orthopoxviruses including Monkeypox" under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA). Under Ontario Regulation 135/18, monkeypox is designated as both a communicable and virulent disease. Persons required to report DOPHS and/or communicable diseases under the HPPA are now required to report directly to the local Medical Officer of Health in accordance with the reporting requirements in the Act, as per routine disease processes

Confirmed, Probable, or Suspect cases of monkeypox must be reported within one business day to Public Health Ontario (PHO) after the responsible provider learns that they have a patient who meets a case definition of monkeypox.

Please note that while cases of monkeypox are reportable to PHO, Ottawa Public Health will be available to answer community providers' questions regarding the reporting process.

• Reporting requirements and relevant forms are found in the Order Of The Chief Medical Officer Of Health (PDF)
• See Appendix 1
  
• The 'Ontario Monkeypox Investigation Tool' must be submitted via secure fax to local Medical Officer of Health at 519-753-9127.
  

• About Monkeypox (USA Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
  

Forms:

• Ontario Monkeypox Investigation Tool (PDF): must be submitted to PHO when reporting a confirmed, probable, or suspect case of monkeypox (see Appendix B). The tool starts on page 5 of the linked PDF.
  

For more information, contact Brant County Health Unit at 519-753-4937 ext. 454 infectioncontrol@bchu.org. Please provide your designation and reason for contact to ensure priority.

The Health Unit investigates all animal bites and scratches reported in Brantford and Brant County. Any resident bitten or scratched by an animal is advised to get medical attention right away and report the bit to the Health Unit:

• During regular business hours (Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
• Phone: 519-753-4937 ext. 454 OR
• Email: infectioncontrol@bchu.org OR
• Fax: 519-753-9127
• After hours
• Phone only: 519-753-4937 (stay on the line to speak to an operator)

Health-care providers must report all cases of latent Tuberculosis (TB) infection, active disease, and positive skin tests to the Health Unit by:

• During regular business hours (Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
• Phone: 519-753-4937 ext. 454 OR
• Email: infectioncontrol@bchu.org OR
• Fax: 519-753-9127
• After hours
• Phone only: 519-753-4937 (stay on the line to speak to an operator)

• Infectious Diseases fact sheets
• STI fact sheets
• Management of Tick Bites and Investigation of Early Localized Lyme Disease (Health Quality Ontario)
  
• Early Lyme Disease Management in Primary Care (Centre for Effective Practice)
  
• Mandatory Blood Testing Act application forms
• Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee (PIDAC)
• Best practice documents available online
• Regional Infection Prevention and Control Support Team
• Our region - Central West Region
• Public Health Ontario
• Laboratory services including testing information, how to order supplies and requisitions
• Infection prevention and control best practices
• Education and training modules
• Infectious disease information and guidelines
• Provincial and local surveillance data
• Canadian Guidelines on Sexually Transmitted Infections (Public Health Agency of Canada)
• Public Health Agency of Canada Primary Care Management of Hepatitis B - Quick Reference Guide