REPORT OF THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH
AND
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
TO THE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF THE
WINDSOR-ESSEX COUNTY HEALTH UNIT

2007 February 8

The winter influenza season continues.  As of January 29, there are five confirmed cases of Influenza A in Windsor-Essex.  Four cases were identified in Windsor and one in Leamington.  Two of the cases are associated with two separate outbreaks in long-term care facilities.  So far this year the influenza season remains mild, although there appears to be a large number of non-influenza respiratory cases as well as numerous cases of gastrointestinal viral disease. 

Consultation meetings for pandemic influenza planning continue.  On January 23, 2007, I met with the Community subcommittee, and on January 25, 2007, I met with the Hospital subcommittee.  The meeting with the joint-hospital senior management group scheduled for January 26, 2007 has been rescheduled for February 23, 2007.  On January 24, 2007, I had the opportunity to attend a community planning conference in Detroit put on by the Detroit Department of Health.  The focus of the conference was the effectiveness of and problems associated with the potential closing of schools and public meetings during a pandemic.  The meeting was well attended by both governmental and non-governmental organizations as well as private businesses.

I have received notification that the draft of the revised mandatory programs will be available beginning February 19, 2007 and the consultation period to review the draft will take place from February 19, 2007 through March 9, 2007.  The Ministry will be looking for a consolidated response from each health unit.  A draft of the Health Unit’s response will be available at the March 8, 2007 Board meeting.

From January 31, 2007 through February 2, 2007, I will be attending a Ministry of Health Orientation Day to receive an update on the changes to the structure of the Public Health Branch.  Following the orientation on January 31, 2007 will be the winter meeting of the Council of Medical Officers of Health and the Association of Local Public Health Agencies, which I will be able to report the details of the meeting at the upcoming Board meeting.

I would like to remind Board members that nominations are open for positions on the Board Executive which are Chair, Vice-Chair, and Treasurer.  The schedule as planned is to hold Board elections at the February meeting.  As yet, I have not yet received confirmation of the City appointees for 2007.  If confirmation is not received by the February Board meeting, I would recommend that elections be delayed until March.

I would like to remind Board members that the February Board meeting has been moved to February 8, 2007.  It will be held in Essex.  The March Board meeting has been moved to March 8, 2007 and will be held in Windsor. 

Respectfully submitted,

G. Allen Heimann, MD, MHSc                
Medical Officer of Health

GAH:rs