Infections are illnesses caused by germs or microorganisms like viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. These microorganisms can be shared between people, animals, and insects; and can be found on surfaces and in food, soil, water, and the air. To cause an infection, the microorganisms must enter the body and multiply.
Students and staff in school settings have a greater risk for infection due to their close contact to individuals from other households, sharing of toys or objects and because young students are still developing their immune systems.
Childhood Illness Quick Reference Guide for Schools
The Prevention and Control of Childhood Illness: A Quick Reference Guide for Schools was created to provide school staff with the tools they need to prevent the spread of infections, manage infections and report infections to WDG Public Health. It should be used in combination with the school’s infection prevention and control (IPAC) policies and procedures, and any additional advice provided by a public health representative.
For any questions related to the guide, please call the Infectious Diseases Team at 1-800-265-7293, ext. 4752.
Reporting Diseases of Public Health Significance (DoPHS)
Some infections have severe implications for school/classroom and broader community or can cause serious illness, requiring mandatory and timely reporting to WDG Public Health under the Health Protection and Promotion Act R.S.O. 1990, c.H.7.
- Download the full list of DoPHS (PDF)
- Visit the webpage: List of Diseases of Public Health Significance (Reportable to Public Health).
Reporting timelines:
- Immediately for specific diseases (e.g., measles, meningitis, etc.)
- Within one business day for all others
How to report:
To report a DoPHS:
- Weekdays (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.): Call 1-800-265-7293, ext. 4752
- After hours, weekends and holidays: Call 1-877-884-8653
- Fax confidential documents to: 1-855-934-5463 (1-855-WDGLINE)
When reporting, please provide the following information:
- First and last name of child
- Student’s date of birth
- Student’s gender
- Student’s contact number and address
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) name(s) and contact information (if different from the student’s)
- The DoPHS of concern
- The name of the physician or location where the DoPHS was diagnosed (emergency department)
- Symptoms and date of onset
- Name, contact number, and address of the school
- First and last name of staff member reporting DoPHS
Absenteeism
Schools should monitor absenteeism rates closely. If the number of ill students or staff with similar symptoms exceeds the usual number (baseline) of ill students and staff expected, the school should notify WDG Public Health at 1-800-265-7293, ext. 4752. Staff should follow the school’s policies and procedures for managing increased illness in addition to any advice provided by Public Health at the time of notification.
