Outbreaks occur when the usual incidence of disease in a Long Term Care Home (LTCH) or Retirement Home (RH) is exceeded at any given time.
Early identification of an outbreak is essential since the implementation of precautions and therapeutic interventions can prevent the spread of infection and decrease the morbidity and mortality of a very frail, compromised population.
Gastroenteritis Outbreaks
Outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness in institutions are most frequently caused by viruses such as norovirus, rotavirus, astrovirus, calicivirus, enteric adenovirus, and others. However, bacteria and other pathogens may cause outbreaks as well.
The most common presentation of gastroenteritis is, but is not limited to, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea, along with nausea, headache, chills and myalgia.
Respiratory Infection Outbreaks
Respiratory tract infections are the most commonly diagnosed infections of LTCH and RH residents.
Residents are predisposed to such infections in part because they may be elderly, may have chronic illnesses which weaken their immune system, and may have chronic lung or neurological disease which impairs their ability to clear secretions from their lungs and airways.
Residents are also at risk because many viral and bacterial pathogens are easily transmitted in this type of environment.
Gastroenteritis / respiratory infection outbreaks in institutions are reportable to Public Health.
Gastroenteritis Institutional Outbreak Fact Sheet printable pdf
Respiratory Infection Institutional Outbreak Fact Sheet printable pdf
