As the year 2025 approaches, Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, is closely monitoring the H5N1 avian influenza virus, which saw its first human case in Canada this year. She also expresses concern about the resurgence of measles, which was declared eliminated in Canada over 20 years ago, but has recently begun to spread at an accelerating rate.

H5N1 Avian Influenza

• Canada reported its first human case of H5N1 avian influenza in a teenager in British Columbia who was in critical condition.

• The number of human cases in the United States rose to 65 in 2024, most of which were among workers on poultry farms.

• Dr. Tam emphasizes the importance of safety measures such as wearing protective equipment and handling birds or dead animals with caution.

Return of Measles and Other Diseases

• Approximately 170 measles cases were recorded in Canada in 2024 compared to only 59 cases the previous year.

• Most cases are among unvaccinated individuals, highlighting the importance of completing vaccinations.

• Measles is a highly contagious disease and can lead to serious complications, especially in children, with the record of a child under five dying this year.

• Whooping cough has also reemerged following a decline in vaccination rates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Preventive Measures

• Maintain routine vaccinations.

• Wash hands and wear masks when necessary.

• Exercise caution with any illness symptoms and stay home when ill.

Dr. Tam reminds that diseases once thought to be under control can return if vaccination rates and health awareness decline.