Outbreak Management and Control

Effective outbreak management and control is paramount in limiting and preventing the spread of an infectious agent in your recreational camp. 

The health unit should be notified immediately when there is a suspected or known outbreak occurring in your camp. 

An outbreak is considered when there are greater than usually expected number of ill children within a given period of time (usually 48 hours). 

The SMDHU Communicable Disease Team investigators will work with the operator/owner of the camp to assist in controlling the spread of illness, which will benefit the health and enjoyment of campers and staff.

Services that may be provided during an outbreak include:

• Onsite visit to conduct inspection of food preparation and handling
• Onsite visit on first day of outbreak to review camp area plans, speak to camp nurse, custodial staff or counsellors to reinforce basic infection prevention and control measures
• Daily communication via phone/fax to support documentation and answer questions related to outbreak management
• Provide literature such as guidelines or fact sheets related to outbreak management, specific illnesses etc.
• Arrangement of samples (for testing) to be picked up and transported to a laboratory.

It must be noted that one of the most critical issues to arise during an outbreak is the depletion of staff complement due to illness.  Unfortunately, the SMDHU is not in a position to provide medical staff to a recreational camp to provide direct care of ill children/staff.  This consideration should be explored in a camp’s contingency plan for outbreaks.