Download Edmonton Zone Case and Outbreak Definitions

Population, Public and Aboriginal Health
Edmonton Zone Communicable Disease Control
Edmonton Zone Case and Outbreak Definitions
EARLY RECOGNITION of suspected outbreaks is important. Facility sites (Long Term
Care, Home Living and Supportive Living) should conduct ongoing surveillance and use
the following definitions, as recommended by the Edmonton Zone Medical Officer of
Health (MOH), for early identification of unusual clusters of influenza like or
gastrointestinal illness and/or outbreaks.
ILI Case Definition
ILI Outbreak Definition
Acute onset of NEW cough or change in an
existing cough PLUS one or more of the
following: fever, sore throat, arthralgia (joint
pain) myalgia (muscle aches), prostration,
(severe exhaustion)
2 or more cases of ILI within a 7-day period,
with a common epidemiological link (e.g.
same location or same care giver, and
evidence of healthcare associated
transmission within the unit or facility) of
which at least one is a laboratory confirmed
case.
NOTE: Older adults have a lower basal body
temperature therefore fever may be present when the
temperature is greater than 1.5° Celsius above
baseline.
NOTE: Even a single case of ILI is reportable to Public
Health for enhanced monitoring, surveillance and
recommendations.
GI Case Definition
GI Outbreak Definition
At lease ONE of the following criteria must be
met and not be attributed to another cause
(e.g.Clostridium difficile diarrhea, medication,
laxative, diet or prior medical condition etc):
2 or more cases (with initial onset within one
48 hour period) of gastrointestinal (GI) illness
with a common epidemiological link (e.g.
same location or same care giver, and
evidence of healthcare associated
transmission within the facility)
∗Two or more episodes of diarrhea (i.e. loose
or watery stools) in a 24 hour period, above
what is normally expected for that individual
OR
∗Two or more episodes of vomiting in a 24
hour period
OR
∗One or more episodes of vomiting AND
diarrhea in a 24 hour period
OR
∗Positive stool culture of a known enteric
pathogen AND at least one symptom
compatible with a GI infection i.e. nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or
tenderness
OR
∗One episode of bloody diarrhea
In order to initiate an outbreak investigation promptly, REPORT new suspect cases
of ILI or GI according to definitions described above to the Edmonton Zone office of
the Medical Officer of Health (MOH):
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During business hours, Monday to Friday between 0830h-1700h pager 780-445-7226
After-hours/weekends/statutory holidays, call 780-433-3940
Alberta Health Services Edmonton Zone Last Modified August 2015