Erysipelothrix

December 1, 2023

 

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a zoonotic pathogen that causes erysipeloid and is most frequently associated with exposure to domestic swine. Infection of native and prosthetic joints is a rarely reported manifestation. The NWT has concerns as this has been found in Arctic Muskoxen. This is a relatively new development therefore the NWT Chief Public Health Officer is asking for any human related cases to be reported within 7 days.

REPORTING

All HCPs must follow the NWT Public Health Act. Measures for contact tracing and legislative requirements are laid out within the Reportable Disease Control Regulations and reporting timelines are found in the Disease Surveillance Regulations.

Note: the only acceptable methods of reporting to the OCPHO are outlined below. Information provided outside of these methods will not be considered reported unless otherwise stated by a CPHO delegate.

Health Care Professionals

For Part 3 written report within 7 days

  • Confirmed and probable cases are to be reported to the Office of the Chief Public Health Office (OCPHO) within 7 days after diagnosis is made or opinion is formed by completing the Communicable Disease Report Form then submitting to:
  • If there are any updates regarding the case or contacts the appropriate form will need to be resent with the additional information
  • Immediately report all outbreaks or suspect outbreaks by telephone (867)-920-8646 to the OCPHO

Laboratories

  • Report all positive results to the OCPHO by fax (867) 873-0442 within 24 hours