MEMO: Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, and Powassan Virus - Designated Diseases of Public Health Significance

TO:   Health Care Providers in Niagara

FROM: Infectious Disease Program, Niagara Region Public Health

REFERENCE: Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, and Powassan virus;  Designated Diseases of Public Health Significance

DATE: July 5, 2023

In response to reports of emerging tick-borne diseases and an increase in blacklegged tick populations across Ontario, Ontario’s Ministry of Health has designated Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, and Powassan virus as Diseases of Public Health Significance (DOPHS) under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA) effective July 1, 2023.

Health Care Provider Action

• Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, and Powassan virus must be reported to the Medical Officer of Health under Ontario Regulation 135/18 and amendments of the Health Protection and Promotion Act

• To report a disease of public health significance, contact the Infectious Disease Program at:
  • 905-688-8248 at ext. 7330 or
  • Toll free at 1-888-505-6074
  • Emergency after-hours: 905-984-3690

• For current case definitions, please refer to the Infectious Disease Protocols for Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, and Powassan virus

More Information

• Anaplasmosis Test Information Index - Public Health Ontario

• Babesiosis Test Information Index - Public Health Ontario

• Powassan virus Test Information Index - Public Health Ontario