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[Infectious Diseases News Brief]
National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) - Recommendations
for Use of Pneumococcal 23-Valent Polysaccharide Vaccine During Shortage:
Canada
Due to the temporary shortage of pneumococcal 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine
in Canada, expected to last until approximately September 2004, NACI reviewed
the options for stratifying risk groups for whom the vaccine is recommended
to identify those whose immunization can be postponed until the supply is
re-established. These recommendations take into account both the level of
risk for invasive pneumococcal disease, as well as the likelihood of a protective
immune response to the vaccine based on individual risk factors. While there
are risk data to substantiate the selection of certain groups for priority
vaccination, the committee's recommendations are also based on pragmatic issues
such as the number of persons in the risk group, the ability of the health
system to provide targeted vaccination to such persons and the potential for
long-term missed vaccination associated with temporary disruption of a particular
targeted program (i.e., long-term care facilities). The recommendations can
be accessed
on line
Source: Canada Communicable Disease Report (Preview), Volume 30, ACS-4,
15 August 2004
Syphilis Update: Manitoba
The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority urges anyone who has had unprotected
anonymous sex over the past several weeks and months to see a physician
and get tested for syphilis. The call came after two new confirmed cases
of infectious syphilis reported several anonymous sexual contacts. The
two latest cases come just more than a year and a half after the first
cases were reported in January 2003. Initially cases involved primarily
middle-aged men and women who met at downtown bars and hotels and subsequently
had unprotected sex with unfamiliar partners while intoxicated. It then
extended to include sex trade workers and men who report having sex with
men. The latest cases bring the total number of confirmed cases to 58
with more than 150 reported contacts. There have been approximately two
or three new cases reported each month since January 2004.
Source: Press Release, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, 5 August 2004
West Nile virus: Ontario
Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health and the Medical Officer of Health
for Windsor-Essex County confirmed Ontario's first probable human case
of West Nile virus in the Windsor-Essex area. A 45 year-old female Windsor
resident has shown positive results for West Nile virus. She was hospitalized
on 2 August and remains in hospital in stable but guarded condition. The
province continues to closely monitor mosquito activity and local health
units are implementing mosquito control programs throughout the province.
As of 5 August, Ontario has 111 birds and a total of 6 mosquito pools
testing positive for West Nile virus.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, 6 August 2004
E. coli O157:H7: Ontario (Update)
The investigation into the 12-24 July, 2004 E. coli outbreak at the Adventure
North Hockey Camp is ongoing. The Sudbury & District Health Unit is
also following up on any possible community cases associated with the
voluntary recall of hamburger packaged and sold from the Sudbury Costco
on 11 July. Twenty-seven outbreak cases are now under investigation as
an additional staff member has tested positive for E. coli 0157:H7. Of
the 27 cases, 11 are laboratory confirmed. The additional case has meant
further investigation. In response to the voluntary recall, four possible
community cases have also been identified. One is laboratory confirmed
for E. coli O157:H7 and further investigation continues on the other three.
One secondary case has been reported to the health unit. The recall also
resulted in the return of several 11 July meat samples.
Source: Sudbury & District Health Unit, 6 August 2004
The details given are for information only and may be very provisional.
Where incidents are considered of national importance and are ongoing, the
initial report will be updated as new information becomes available.
[Infectious Diseases News Brief]
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