Posted: June 20, 2022
Revised: March 30, 2023
On June 17, 2022, the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) distributed a memo and appendix to health care providers and public health units regarding mpox, formerly known as monkeypox.
Mpox has been designated as a Disease of Public Health Significance (DOPHS) as “Smallpox and other Orthopoxviruses including Monkeypox” under the Health Protection and Promotion Act(HPPA). Amendments have been made to regulations under the HPPA to designate mpox as a communicable and virulent disease and include additional information required for reporting. The mpox Order issued by the CMOH on May 20, 2022 is no longer in effect.
Please review the memo and appendix for full details and following websites for additional information: Ontario Ministry of Health – Mpox Virus. FAQs and vaccine guidance for post-exposure prophylaxis, storage and handling, including epidemiological summary, specimen collection and handling, and IPAC for acute care: Public Health Ontario – Mpox.
What this means for dietitians
Persons who are required to report DOPHS and/or communicable diseases under the HPPA are now required to report directly to the local Medical Officer of Health in accordance with the reporting requirements in the Act. The duty to report does not include a registrant of the College of Dietitians of Ontario. As always, dietitians are encouraged to collaborate with members of their interprofessional care teams.
May 2022
The Chief Medical Officer of Ontario (CMOH) has issued an order under section 77.6 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act, effective May 20, 2022, regarding mpox. This order provides the case definition of mpox and requires physicians, nurses under the extended class, Medical Officers of Health who operate a group practice, and regulated health professionals who work within the meaning of the Public Hospitals Act, to provide information related to mpox to Public Health Ontario.
What this means for dietitians
Dietitians who work in hospitals are encouraged to discuss with their employers how to meet their reporting obligation as outlined in the order. Dietitians are also encouraged to be alert for patients presenting with symptoms that are consistent with mpox virus infection, especially if they have travelled or have had contact with a known case.
For more information about Mpox, including IPAC recommendations:
Chief Medical Officer of Ontario Memorandum
Ministry of Health Q&A for Mpox
Public Health Ontario’s Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Recommendations for Mpox in Health Care Settings
Dietitians can contact their employers or a Local Public Health Unit with questions or concerns.
