Diphtheria
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The following specified Reportable Disease, (Ontario Regulation 559/91 and
amendments under the
Health Protection and Promotion Act, 1990) is to be reported to
the Local Medical Office of Health.
Note: Diseases marked
and all respiratory infection outbreaks in institutions should be
reported
immediately to the Medical Officer of Health by telephone. Other diseases are to
be reported
the next working day.
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Surveillance Case Definition: Diphtheria
Confirmed Case - Isolation of toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae from
nasopharyngeal, nasal or cutaneous sites;
and
Clinically compatible signs and symptoms:
upper respiratory tract infection involving the tonsils, nasopharynx or
larynx (occasionally other mucous membranes or skin)
an adherent asymmetrical greyish white membrane with surrounding
inflammation
cervical adenopathy and swelling
accompanied by hoarseness and stridor
Severe complications may include
acute systemic toxicity
myocarditis
neurological – primary peripheral neuritis
Symptoms compatible with disease due to C. diphtheriae may be mild or
moderate, and may include pharyngitis without a membrane. In this
instance, other causative pathogens, e.g., streptococci, should have
been excluded by culture. Symptoms may also be severe, with signs of
toxicity, requiring treatment with diphtheria antitoxin. |
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