In a December 11 memo, DSS reminds assisted living facilities of their obligations to report outbreaks of respiratory and gastrointestinal illness.

• Outbreaks should be reported to your licensing representative and VDH within 24 hours of the occurrence. VDH provides two options for reporting suspected outbreaks. Outbreaks can be reported to your Local Health District or by using the Suspected Outbreak Reporting Portal.

Of note: According to VDH, there is no strict or specific number of cases that need to occur for most communicable diseases to be considered an outbreak.

• Any unusual level of activity of any illness that might be spread from one person to another or that might be caused by a common exposure should be reported as a suspected outbreak to VDH.

Read the memo in its entirety for additional information DSS on what providers should do to mitigate outbreaks and how site visits may be useful.

Questions? Contact the Infection Prevention and Control Team at IPCTeam@dss.virginia.gov.