Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, speaks at the Canadian Immunization Conference in Ottawa on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)
As Canada heads into 2025, Dr. Theresa Tam, the country's chief public health officer, has highlighted some of the biggest health challenges ahead. One of her main concerns is the spread of H5N1, a dangerous bird flu virus that recently made its first human case in Canada. Alongside this, Dr. Tam is closely monitoring the resurgence of measles, a disease that was once eliminated in Canada but is now making a worrying comeback.
H5N1, a highly infectious strain of avian flu, has been spreading globally, causing havoc in poultry farms across Canada and even affecting dairy cows in neighbouring U.S. states. But its recent transmission to humans is particularly alarming. Dr. Tam expressed concern about the virus's unpredictable nature, as it can range from mild or even asymptomatic cases to severe illness. Canada’s only confirmed case so far involves a teenager in British Columbia, who fell seriously ill in November. Fortunately, no one else has been infected, suggesting that human-to-human transmission has not yet occurred.
Though the risk of widespread infection remains low, there have been over 65 confirmed human cases in the United States in 2024, mostly among farmworkers. Most of these cases were mild, with some individuals showing symptoms like pink eye. However, a more severe case was reported recently in Louisiana, where a person over 65 became seriously ill after contact with infected backyard birds.
Dr. Tam stressed the need for more education on protecting those who keep birds, both on commercial farms and in backyard settings. She advised that anyone who comes into contact with sick or dead birds should take care and seek guidance from public health authorities or veterinarians.
In addition to H5N1, Dr. Tam is also concerned about the rise of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough. Measles, which was officially declared eliminated in Canada in 1998, is now seeing a resurgence, with close to 170 cases reported in 2024, compared to just 59 last year. A large outbreak in New Brunswick, which spread through travel, has been particularly troubling, with many affected individuals being unvaccinated. Dr. Tam noted that the majority of cases are among those who missed their vaccinations, and children, in particular, can be at risk, with one child under five years old tragically dying in Ontario this year.
Whooping cough, another disease once largely controlled through vaccines, is also seeing a comeback. This illness, known for causing prolonged coughing fits, can be especially severe in young children. Dr. Tam believes the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are partially to blame, as many children missed routine vaccinations. Despite efforts to catch up, vaccination rates have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels.
While COVID-19 remains a concern, Dr. Tam noted that the virus’s spread has slowed down since the fall. However, she cautioned that a winter surge is still possible, particularly among older individuals and those with chronic health conditions. To stay protected, Dr. Tam continues to recommend practices such as frequent handwashing, wearing masks, and staying home when sick, along with staying up-to-date on vaccinations.
Dr. Tam’s warnings remind Canadians of the ongoing importance of vaccination and vigilance in protecting against both new and old health threats.
