Bird flu, or avian flu, continues to spread across Canada, leaving some experts worried about its potential to become more transmissible among humans, and potentially sparking another pandemic. The current outbreak circulating North and South America is known as H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b. It has killed record numbers of birds and infected mammals. Read more: Avian
Cases of a drug-resistant infection caused by the fungus Candida auris are on the rise in the United States, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The fungal infection has proved deadly, especially for those with compromised immune systems, and has demonstrated an ability to spread easily in health-care
COVID-19 has taken a minimal toll on most people’s mental health globally, according to a recent study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). But a separate study shows that finding may not hold true for children. In fact, the pandemic increased mental distress for kids, a newly-published study led by the University of Calgary
The federal health minister is warning provinces not to charge Canadians fees for “medically necessary” care, including telemedicine and some private services, in a new letter released Friday. “There has been evidence of residents paying out of pocket to access diagnostic services such as ultrasounds, MRI and CT scans — services that should be accessible
For four years, doctors told Laura Landry-Rudolph the growing and painful rash on her inner thigh was “chafing” or perhaps “eczema.” And for four years, Landry-Rudolph persisted something much more serious was going on.In an emotional Facebook live video last month, the 32-year-old from Antigonish, N.S., shared what a dermatologist’s biopsy had finally revealed: cancer.“The
With the release of the provincial budget on Tuesday, B.C. will become the first province in Canada to make prescription contraception free for all residents. Finance Minister Katrine Conroy said free prescription contraception will be available for women and transgender and non-binary people starting April 1.The program will fully cover prescription contraception options, including most
A new intelligence report from the U.S. Department of Energy that reportedly concludes it’s possible the COVID-19 pandemic originated from an accidental laboratory leak in China is renewing questions over where the virus came from. But the report, which has not been made public but is the subject of reporting by multiple American media outlets
As Ukrainians mark a grim anniversary, one brutal year of war and devastation, new data is shining a light on the particularly gruesome impacts of Russia’s attacks on health-care facilities and workers – atrocities that human rights advocates say amount to war crimes. More than 700 attacks have targeted hospitals, health facilities and staff since
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his government has signed health-care agreements in principle with all four Atlantic provinces and Ontario. He made the announcement as he spoke with students in Halifax earlier this morning.Ontario announced its 10-year deal in principle on health care on Thursday, paving the way for both sides to iron out the
The very contagious norovirus that is known for causing inflammation of the stomach and intestines is rising across the country — but it is not uncommon during this time of the year, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). The number of cases of norovirus has been on the rise “both at the