B.C. H5N1 case has mutations linked to higher transmissibility
Canada confirms its first domestically acquired H5N1 avian flu case in a critically ill B.C. teenager, sparking enhanced surveillance and safety measures.
Why it's important: Though there’s been no official escalation of the risks H5N1 poses to the public, in the minds of many, the case has made the threat more salient.
The strain in question is linked to wild birds, rather than U.S. dairy outbreaks. Wastewater surveillance is expanding to include H5N1 in some regions, though it’s still limited. The B.C. CDC gets credit for promptly sharing the case’s genomic sequencing results, which are positive for mutations linked to increased infectivity and lethality in humans.
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Vaccine stocks plummet after RFK Jr. tapped for health secretary role
RFK Jr.’s nomination signals disruptive shifts in health policy, raising uncertainty for vaccine manufacturers and related sectors.
Why it's important: At an anti-vax conference last week, Kennedy proposed to pivot the NIH away from infectious disease research for eight years.
Despite claiming he is not anti-vax, Kennedy’s activism in Samoa contributed to a decline in measles vaccinations that led to a 2019 outbreak which killed 83 people, mostly children. His policy and rhetoric could further erode trust in vaccines, weaken pandemic response, and amplify health disinformation well beyond America’s borders.
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Alberta faces calls to fund RSV shot for newborns
Doctors urge Alberta to provide free RSV prevention for infants, as other provinces roll out funded programs.
Why it's important: While Ontario, Quebec and all three territories offer universal access to the antibody-based RSV shot, Alberta lags, citing supply issues.
Doctors highlight the risks to healthy infants and call for free coverage, including alternatives such as Abrysvo, a vaccine given during pregnancy. Advocates say the lack of provincial hustle leaves families vulnerable during RSV season, placing Albertans at a disadvantage compared to other provinces.
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Private MRIs — convenience at a cost
The growing market for private MRIs offers quick access but raises concerns over ethics, regulation, and negative impacts on public health care systems.
Why it's important: Toronto Star reporter Kenyon Wallace was given $1,500 to go and get scanned at a private MRI clinic and then write about it.
Wallace’s experience brings to light the issues of overdiagnosis leading to unnecessary follow-ups in the overburdened public system, the ethics of paid referrals without patient evaluation, and the lack of clear regulation for private MRI clinics. Experts say these practices undermine universal health care and call for oversight.
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Montreal children's hospitals overwhelmed with viruses and walking pneumonia
Montreal's paeds hospitals are beyond capacity and urging parents to avoid the ER in non-urgent cases amid the surge.
Why it's important: Overcrowded ERs increase wait times for critical patients and highlight the need for community-based care alternatives.
With occupancy rates surpassing 140% at Montreal Children’s Hospital and CHU Sainte-Justine, staff report lengthy waits. Parents are being asked to seek care for minor illnesses from family doctors, pharmacists, or the 8-1-1 health line. Hospitals warn of delays for non-urgent visits.
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Toronto trial hears fraud allegations behind massive hospital contract
Prosecutors allege corruption in awarding a $300-million St. Michael's Hospital contract, involving Bondfield Construction’s former CEO and a hospital executive.
Why it's important: While this may seem more “health-adjacent” it’s not the only fraud story involving Ontario hospital execs this week, or even this month.
Prosecutors are trying to substantiate how conflicts of interest and fraudulent practices tainted one of Toronto’s largest public hospital contracts. They allege hidden ties between Bondfield CEO John Aquino and St. Mike’s executive Vas Georgiou influenced the bidding process. The redevelopment is now years behind schedule.
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