REPORTING OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES TO THE OCPHO:
- Healthcare professionals (HCPs) have a legislative duty to report notifiable and reportable diseases to the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) as required in the NWT Public Health Act (2009, SNWT 2007, c.17, SI-007-2009), with required information and timelines for reporting as defined in the Disease Surveillance Regulations (2009, R-096- 2009) and within the NWT Communicable Disease Manual.
- Mandatory Reporting of Outbreaks for ALL Communicable Diseases
Immediately report all outbreaks or suspect outbreaks in hospital, long-term care facility (LTCF) or congregate living by telephone (867) 920-8646 to the OCPHO.
NOTE: This is not just for respiratory diseases but for ALL communicable diseases. Outbreaks for different diseases are defined within the NWT Communicable Disease Manual.
General Resources
- Viral Respiratory Illness Hospital Admission or Death Report
- Disease Surveillance Regulations
- NWT Reportable Disease Regulations Schedule 3
- NWT Communicable Disease Manual
- Canadian Immunization Guide
- NWT Immunization Schedule Health Professionals
- Wastewater Monitoring
- 811 Health Advice Line - HCPs are encouraged to let clients know about calling 811 regarding symptoms or health questions. Nurses are available 24/7 to help clients assess when it is appropriate to access an appointment, when someone should call ahead to warn the health centre of a potential communicable disease or when to manage their symptoms at home. 811 now offers mental health supports and support in quitting smoking/vaping.
Influenza Resources
- AMMI Canada 2023 update on influenza: Management and emerging issues
- For information on ordering Influenza vaccine promotional products from the Public Health Agency of Canada and Immunize.ca
- Northwest Territories Health Center Formulary 2018 ed
- NWT Communicable Disease Manual: Influenza Seasonal Chapter
- NWT Guidelines for the Use of Oseltamivir in Long Term Care Facilities - NEW - March 2025
- Statement on seasonal influenza vaccine for 2024-2025 and Addendum
- Product Monograph FLUMIST® QUADRIVALENT
- Product Monograph FLUZONE® QIV
- Product Monograph FLUZONE® High-Dose
- Product Monograph Tamiflu®
RSV Resources
- NWT Communicable Disease Manual RSV Chapter
- Statement on the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus disease in infants
- Statement on the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus disease in older adults
COVID-19 Resources
- COVID-19 Epidemiology Update Canada
- Public Health Agency of Canada: COVID-19 Guidance Documents
- NWT Communicable Disease Manual COVID-19 Chapter
- NACI Guidance on the use of COVID-19 vaccines in the fall of 2024