As flu season fades, spring and summer viruses emerge. What are they?
As Canadians bid farewell to the aches and chills of the respiratory virus season a new question looms: what other microbial menaces will appear as days grow warmer?
Health
May 1
Drought-resistant mosquito brings earlier possibility of West Nile virus to Alberta
Usually, dry conditions mean fewer mosquitos, but this year some experts predict trouble from a new breed of mosquito that is a carrier of West Nile virus.
Weather
Apr 15
Alberta’s flu death toll highest in 15 years as vaccine uptake declines
According to data from the province's respiratory virus dashboard, 15,215 cases of lab-confirmed influenza cases were recorded this respiratory virus season.
Health
Apr 29
Bird flu virus detected in U.S. grocery store milk. FDA says supply still safe
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday that samples of pasteurized milk had tested positive for remnants of the bird flu virus that has infected dairy cows.
Health
Apr 24
Bird flu risks: What to know as the ‘versatile’ virus continues to spread
As the avian flu, also known as bird flu, continues to spread across the globe, concerns persist regarding its potential risks to human health.
Health
Apr 2
Bird flu risk to humans an ‘enormous concern,’ WHO says. Here’s what to know
Avian flu is caused by influenza viruses that spread among wild aquatic birds and can infect domestic poultry and other animal species.
Canada
Apr 18
Measles virus possibly circulating in Quebec, health officials say
The public health agency sent a notice warning that the person from Laval had visited two medical facilities in Montreal, including the Sainte-Justine children's hospital.
Health
Mar 1
Deadly bird flu strain spreads in South America. What’s the risk to humans?
The H5N1 bird flu virus has spread more aggressively than in wild birds and marine mammals since arriving in South America in 2022, scientists warn.
Health
Mar 13
Alaskapox: What to know about rare virus after 1st reported human death
Alaskapox, a virus first identified in 2015, has recently claimed the life of an elderly Alaskan man, marking the first known human fatality linked with this pathogen.
Health
Feb 13
Bird flu: Experts urge more surveillance in Canada — before it’s too late
Experts are urging Canada to boost its surveillance of the bird flu after traces of it were found in milk in the U.S. and it has spread among dairy cattle in the U.S.
Canada
May 3
Bird flu concerns over U.S. dairy cattle growing. Here’s what to know
A bird flu outbreak infecting dairy cows in the U.S. that has seeped into the country’s milk supply is under investigation, but the the WHO says the risk to the public is low.
Health
Apr 26
Fall COVID-19 vaccine guidelines are out. Here’s what NACI recommends
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization released its updated guidelines on Friday for a COVID-19 vaccine rollout in the fall.
Health
May 3
Preventing future pandemics goal of new U.S. partnership with 50 countries
U.S. government officials will work with the countries to develop better testing, surveillance, communication and preparedness for such outbreaks in those countries.
Health
Apr 16
Possible HIV cure 1 step closer to human trials: Ontario researchers
One of the takeaways from the research is the ability to reawaken the latent HIV that hides in the immune cells of people who have been adhering to other treatment for many years.
Health
Mar 27
Norovirus cases spiking in U.S. What about Canada?
Flu season may be winding down, but health officials are noting a rise of norovirus in Canada, the nasty stomach bug that can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
Health
Mar 28
B.C.’s vulnerable urged to get COVID-19 booster as peak of illness season passes
It will be available throughout the provinces at pharmacies, regional health-authority clinics, some primary-care offices, and community health centres.
Health
Apr 8
Another case of measles reported in Ontario through travel
Durham Region Health Department says it has a confirmed case of measles in an adult who acquired the illness during a recent travel abroad.
Canada
Apr 4
Do you put the toilet lid down before flushing? Turns out it might not matter
According to a new study, potentially dangerous germs may spread to your bathroom's surfaces after flushing, regardless of whether the lid is up or down.
Lifestyle
Feb 2
Toronto reports 21 mpox cases so far this year, after 27 cases in all of 2023
Toronto Public Health says 21 cases of mpox have been confirmed in the city since the start of this year compared with a total of 27 cases for all of 2023.
Health
Mar 20
Human case of bird flu reported in Texas linked to cattle: U.S. CDC
It is the second-ever case of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza identified in a person in the United States, the last reported in Colorado in 2022.
Health
Apr 1