The Governor in Council of Nova Scotia issued an amendment to the Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Conditions Regulations. This amendment is part of an ongoing effort to manage public health and ensure the state is equipped to monitor and respond to communicable diseases.

This recommendation was made under Section 74 of the Health Protection Act, which empowers the Governor in Council to update health regulations in response to evolving health concerns. The primary focus of this amendment is to update the list of communicable diseases that must be reported to health authorities when identified. Accurate reporting of such diseases is crucial for public health monitoring, as it allows health officials to track outbreaks, allocate resources effectively, and inform the public about potential health risks.

Included in the updated list are four diseases added under the category of “Other communicable diseases” in Schedule A of the regulations. These diseases are:

• • • Anaplasmosis: This is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. It can lead to fever, chills, and muscle aches, and, if left untreated, can cause severe complications.
    • Babesiosis: Another tick-borne disease, babesiosis is caused by microscopic parasites that infect red blood cells. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include fever, chills, and anemia. Severe cases can lead to complications in individuals with weakened immune systems.
    • Mpox: Formerly known as monkeypox, Mpox is a viral disease that can cause symptoms similar to smallpox, including fever and rash. It can be transmitted through close contact and poses public health challenges, especially in recent outbreaks.
    • Powassan virus: This virus is also transmitted by ticks and can lead to severe neurological issues, including encephalitis or meningitis. Symptoms may include fever, headache, and confusion, and the disease can be serious, especially for older adults.
      

By expanding the list of notifiable diseases, Nova Scotia aims to enhance its capacity for disease surveillance and control, ultimately protecting the health of its residents.

When practitioners identify any of these conditions, they are now legally required to report them to public health authorities. This requirement facilitates quick responses to potential outbreaks and ensures that necessary public health measures can be implemented effectively.

The amendment to the Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Conditions Regulations is intended to be a proactive measure to address the growing challenges posed by communicable diseases. By keeping the regulations current, the Government of Nova Scotia’s intention is to safeguard public health and ensure the community is well-informed and prepared for potential health crises.

Nova Scotia (90/2023) June 2, 2023