The pandemic is an unsettling time for families and we are making every effort to let families know what to expect onsite and that CHEO is safe.
We treat all diseases, conditions and ailments afflicting children in our region. It’s what we do – we are always here for families who need us. Right now, we have cases of chickenpox onsite and together with Ottawa Public Health we are declaring it an outbreak.
Here is what you need to know:
- A child contracted chickenpox in the community and was admitted to CHEO for other reasons, then developed a rash. Two other children were subsequently infected.
- All safety precautions are in place. The cases are contained and the risk of transmission is extremely low.
- Families whose children may have been exposed are aware, and everyone at CHEO is in the best hands.
- And most importantly, vaccines work. Please vaccinate your child for all preventable childhood infectious diseases.
We have no further information to share at this time.
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About CHEO
Dedicated to the best life for every child and youth, CHEO is a global leader in pediatric health care and research. Based in Ottawa, CHEO includes a hospital, children’s treatment centre, school and research institute, with satellite services located throughout eastern Ontario. CHEO provides excellence in complex pediatric care, research and education. We are committed to partnering with families and the community to provide exceptional care — where, when and how it’s needed. CHEO is a partner of the Kids Come First Health Team, a network of partners in eastern Ontario working to create a high quality, standardized and co-ordinated system for pediatric health care centred around children, youth and their families. Every year, CHEO helps more than 500,000 children and youth from eastern Ontario, western Quebec, Nunavut and northern Ontario.
Media contact
media@cheo.on.ca