Introduction

As we step into 2025, Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer, has flagged two major health concerns: the H5N1 bird flu virus and the alarming resurgence of measles. Remarkably, H5N1, a strain of avian influenza, recorded its first human case in Canada just this past year, signaling a potential crisis for public health.

The H5N1 Bird Flu Threat

Globally, the H5N1 virus has been wreaking havoc, taking a severe toll on poultry farms and even spreading to dairy cattle herds in the United States. Dr. Tam is particularly vigilant about its transmission to humans, expressing concerns about its unpredictable clinical outcomes, which can range from asymptomatic cases to severe illness.

In Canada, the sole confirmed case of H5N1 involved a teenager from British Columbia who required hospitalization in November. Fortunately, no further cases have been reported, suggesting that human-to-human transmission may not be a concern at this time. However, the risk is palpable; across the United States, at least 65 confirmed cases were documented in 2024, predominantly among farm workers, with a new severe case popping up recently in Louisiana.

Call for Improved Biosecurity

Dr. Tam has emphasized the need for improved biosecurity practices, especially for backyard poultry keepers, as they are at risk of exposure to infected wild birds. There’s an urgent call for public education on how to handle sick or dead birds safely.

Rise in Measles Infections

Equally troubling is a dramatic increase in measles infections, a disease that was considered eliminated in Canada over two decades ago. In 2024 alone, nearly 170 cases have been identified, a stark rise from 59 the previous year. Most cases are linked to an outbreak that started in New Brunswick and spread to Ontario, primarily affecting unvaccinated individuals.

Measles poses a significant risk, especially to young children, with one tragic case resulting in the death of a child under five in Ontario, a grim reminder of the disease's potential severity. Dr. Tam warns that many parents have not encountered measles first-hand due to effective vaccination programs, which may lead them to underestimate its dangers.

Additional Vaccine-Preventable Illnesses

Measles isn’t the only vaccine-preventable illness on the rise; whooping cough is also becoming more prevalent. Factors contributing to these outbreaks include disruptions to routine immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a concerning drop in vaccination rates.

Ongoing COVID-19 Concerns

Dr. Tam has highlighted the ongoing evolution of COVID-19, emphasizing that while infections have decreased since the fall, the virus still poses a threat, especially to older individuals and those with underlying health conditions. The potential for winter surges remains, although it’s unlikely to present the same 'tripledemic' scenario of years past, where flu, RSV, and COVID-19 cases peaked simultaneously.

Conclusion and Recommendations

As we brace for the upcoming health challenges of 2025, maintaining good hygiene, wearing masks, and keeping up with vaccinations will be critical. The landscape of infectious diseases remains precarious, and the health community is urging everyone to stay informed and proactive about their health.

Stay tuned, as this evolving story is sure to affect all Canadians, and the urgency to protect ourselves and our communities has never been greater!