Infection Control and Public Health Guidelines

Use this table to help determine if you or a family member has a cold or the flu. Determine if symptoms relate to a cold or the flu Symptom Cold Flu (influenza) Fever Rare Usual, high fever (39°C/102°F to 40°C/104°F); sudden onset, lasts 3-4 days...

Animal Bite Investigations A bite from any animal can be serious and should be examined by a health care professional. Prompt treatment can help to prevent infection or more serious illness. The Chief Public Health Office (CPHO) investigates reports...

Bats are considered one of the most commonly reported animals to have rabies. It is important to remember that not all bats have rabies, although, like all wildlife, it is important to admire them from a safe distance. Bats and Rabies in Canada How...

Even the most trustworthy pets may react instinctively by biting or scratching in certain circumstances. Use these prevention strategies to protect yourself and your family: Spay or neuter your dogs and cats. This may reduce aggression. Keep your dog...

Cannabis use is a personal choice but should be an informed choice. Know the laws and approach cannabis responsibly.

Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. This information may be useful for someone who is recovering at home or caring for someone with COVID-19. Prevent the spread Stay home, except to get medical...

The Chief Public Health Office provides direction and guidance on the management and control of communicable diseases in Prince Edward Island. The following policies and guidelines contain information for health care providers regarding the...

Rapid antigen tests are a valuable tool that can be used to assess and monitor for COVID-19 infection. Self-test kits use a shallow swab to collect samples from the throat and nose and can provide results in as little as 15 minutes. If you have...

More information for people who tested positive with COVID-19 can be found here. If you have been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, find more information here. Why should I self-isolate? Self-isolation is...

During and after an extended power outage, food you normally keep in the refrigerator or freezer may become unsafe to eat. Bacteria can build up in perishable foods and may cause foodborne illness The following food safety practices may help make...

I’m positive for COVID-19. What should I do next? Stay home when ill. Staying home when you are sick lowers the chance of spreading COVID-19 and other illness to others. You should stay home until: your symptoms have been improving for at least 24...

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted to humans by a bite from an infected blacklegged (deer) tick ( Ixodes scaplularis). Ticks attach to the skin and feed on blood. A tick carrying Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria that can cause Lyme...

Mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus. The virus can be transmitted from animals to humans and between humans. Animal-to-human transmission may occur by bite or scratch, or through the preparation of bush meat. Mpox is transmitted...

What is norovirus? Norovirus is a very common virus that causes diarrhea and vomiting in humans. Noroviruses are named after the original Norwalk virus and Norwalk-like viruses. The viruses are very small and often difficult to detect. Noroviruses...

What is pertussis (Whooping Cough)? Pertussis is a respiratory infection in the lungs and throat caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. Pertussis occurs worldwide and in Canada, including in PEI, there may be individual cases or outbreaks of...

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body cannot properly use the insulin that is released. Am I at risk for developing type 2 diabetes? Type 2 diabetes can occur...

What is rabies? Rabies is an illness caused by the rabies virus. It affects the central nervous system of infected mammals, including humans. Once symptoms appear, it is almost always fatal. Rabies in Canada Fact Sheet - Rabies How is rabies spread...

A recreational camp is a camp for recreational, educational, social, cultural or religious activities that consists of one or more cabins, buildings or structures established or maintained as living quarters for temporary occupancy of 3 or more days...

What is rotavirus? Rotavirus is a common virus that causes a mild to severe diarrhea in humans. Infants and young children in childcare centres and children’s hospitals are most often infected. The virus is also a common cause of diarrhea in the...

Drinking is a personal choice. If you choose to drink moderate your drinking by following these tips: Set limits for yourself and stick to them. Drink slowly. Have no more than 2 drinks in any 3 hours. For every drink of alcohol, have one non...

What is shigellosis? Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella. The disease itself is commonly referred to as dysentery. People are the only source for Shigella bacteria. Shigella are extremely infectious...

Communicable diseases are diseases that can be spread from one person to another and cause a large number of people to get sick. They are caused by germs like bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites or toxins. Germs that may cause communicable diseases...

Health Promotion is the process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve, their health. Health Promotion is strongly linked to the global challenge of non-communicable disease, also known as chronic disease. It situates health as a...