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Alberta public health disease management guidelines : eastern equine encephalitis/western equine encephalitis

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Intended for public health professionals, this resource presents the recommended practices for the management and reporting of eastern equine encephalitis and western equine encephalitis as... More ≫

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Intended for public health professionals, this resource presents the recommended practices for the management and reporting of eastern equine encephalitis and western equine encephalitis as notifiable diseases. Topics covered include: a case definition of the disease; information on reporting requirements; disease etiology; clinical presentation; diagnosis; epidemiology; key investigation; case management and treatment; and preventive measures. The guidelines were developed by Alberta Health with input and advice from Medical Officers of Health, public health nurses, public health inspectors and medical infectious disease specialists.

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Cyanobacterial blooms in Alberta recreational waters

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Cyanobacteria (also referred to as blue-green algae) are common photosynthetic bacteria that live in surface waters. Under favorable conditions, such as warm water and high nutrient content, these... More ≫

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Cyanobacteria (also referred to as blue-green algae) are common photosynthetic bacteria that live in surface waters. Under favorable conditions, such as warm water and high nutrient content, these bacteria can form nuisance “blooms”. The presence of blooms in recreational water causes unpleasant aesthetics and exposure to some toxin-producing blooms may pose potential health risks. Contact with blooms can cause skin rashes and irritation, itchy eyes, and ear infections. Inhaling water may cause allergic-like reactions, runny noses or sore throats. Ingestion of toxins can cause a range of symptoms (e.g., hepatotoxic or neurotoxic effects, and even death). There has been increased public awareness as a result of research over the past 25 years, recent monitoring efforts, and increased public education on the topic. In 2009, Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services began seasonal monitoring for cyanobacterial blooms at high use recreational beaches. In 2019, beach operators took over...

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Alberta notifiable disease summary

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This annual summary highlights key findings on the incidence of communicable diseases in Alberta. Requirements for reporting communicable diseases are mandated by the Communicable Diseases... More ≫

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This annual summary highlights key findings on the incidence of communicable diseases in Alberta. Requirements for reporting communicable diseases are mandated by the Communicable Diseases Regulation, under the Public Health Act. Alberta Health participates in the collection, analysis and interpretation of communicable disease data to assist the Chief Medical Officer of Health in fulfilling the duties prescribed in the Public Health Act.

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