Reporting communicable diseases

Although the article on dermatologic emergencies¹ was directed primarily at the clinical management of the presenting patient, I noted that there was no mention of the fact that cases of staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome, necrotizing fasciitis, and invasive Neisseria meningitis infections should be reported to the medical officer of health.

I would encourage CMAJ to attempt to include reporting to public health as one aspect of the management of any of the generally recognized “reportable communicable diseases” throughout Canada, as this one step in treatment may sometimes be overlooked by our acute care colleagues.