Orthopoxvirus

December 1, 2023

 

Unless stated otherwise, the NWT Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) is using the information regarding case definition, diagnosis, overview of communicable disease and public health measures found in the Alberta Health Services Public Health Disease Management Guidelines.

  • Mpox (Monkeypox)
  • Smallpox

Note: Any additional information that is NWT specific will be found on this page and supersedes the direction provided in the Alberta Health Services resource. This includes but is not limited to reporting requirements and specified public health measures set out below.

See Alberta Public Health Disease Management Guidelines: orthopoxvirus

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 1 Call immediately and written report within 24 hours

  • Confirmed and probable cases are to be reported immediately after diagnosis is made or opinion is formed to the Office of the Chief Public Health Office (OCPHO) by telephone (867) 920- 8646, AND
  • Within 24 hours complete and fax the following to OCPHO at 867-873-0442
  • 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

PUBLIC & HEALTH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

For more information on orthopoxvirus:

EPIDEMIOLOGY