Bird Flu and Measles: Dual Health Threats on the Rise
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
H5N1 Bird Flu: A Growing Concern
H5N1, a highly contagious strain of avian influenza, has been spreading rapidly worldwide, causing havoc in poultry farms and even jumping to mammals like dairy cattle.“What I am particularly concerned about is that this virus has demonstrated the capability of a whole range of clinical outcomes, from asymptomatic infection … all the way to rare cases of severe illness,” said Tam. “So it’s something that we really need to be very vigilant about.”
Canada recorded its first H5N1 case in a teenager from British Columbia in November. While no one else contracted the virus, the case highlights the risk of human infection. The United States has seen at least 65 confirmed cases, mostly in farm workers. while most cases have been mild, the first case of severe illness was recently reported in Louisiana, emphasizing the need for vigilance, especially among those who keep backyard poultry. Dr.Tam stresses the importance of biosecurity measures and protective equipment for anyone handling birds, even on a small scale. “Those backyard birds are exposed to wild birds that are the carriers of this H5N1 virus,” she said. Public awareness about handling sick or dead birds is crucial. ” If in doubt, don’t touch and call up your local veterinarian or public health authority,” advises Dr. Tam.Measles Resurgence: A Vaccine-Preventable Threat
H5N1 isn’t the only virus Dr. Tam is worried about. She’s also sounding the alarm about the resurgence of measles, a disease that was declared eliminated in Canada in 1998. Nearly 170 measles cases were reported in 2024, compared to just 59 in 2023, highlighting a concerning upward trend.Most cases were in unvaccinated individuals. Tragically, one child under five years old died from measles in Ontario this year, a heartbreaking reminder of the seriousness of this preventable disease.“These are just really amazing reminders of why we need to keep up with our vaccinations,”
Dr. Tam emphasized the importance of vaccination, noting that measles can be a severe illness, especially for children. She pointed out that most parents haven’t witnessed measles firsthand because vaccines have effectively protected children for decades. Measles cases generally arrive in Canada through travelers bringing the virus from other countries. With its high contagiousness, measles quickly spreads to unvaccinated individuals, making widespread vaccination crucial to protect communities.Canada’s Chief public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, is sounding the alarm about the resurgence of preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough. Tam attributes this worrying trend to the disruption of routine vaccinations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, despite catch-up programs.
Vaccine Coverage Still Lagging
“We’re still not back at the pre-pandemic levels of vaccine coverage,” Tam stated emphasizing the ongoing vulnerability of the population.
Whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection that can lead to prolonged bouts of coughing, poses a particular threat to young children. Tam noted that it can sometimes require hospitalization.
COVID-19 Still a Factor
Turning to COVID-19, Tam acknowledged that while the virus continues to evolve and spread, it hasn’t settled into a predictable seasonal pattern like influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
While RSV activity is currently high and influenza cases are on the rise, COVID-19 infections have decreased since the fall. “We’re not seeing them sort of come together in one big ‘tripledemic’ like we did two years ago,” Tam explained. Though, she warned that a winter surge in COVID-19 cases is still possible.
Older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions remain particularly susceptible to severe COVID-19 illness.Tam stressed the importance of continued vigilance by adhering to public health measures.
“handwashing, wearing masks and staying home when sick — as well as getting updated vaccinations — continue to serve as ‘layers of protection’ against circulating viruses,” Tam advised.
“Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, Dr. Theresa tam speaks at the Canadian Immunization Conference, in Ottawa, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld”
## Archyde Interviews Dr. Theresa Tam on Emerging Health Threats
**Archyde:** Welcome to Archyde, Dr. Tam. As Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, you have a front-row seat to the health challenges facing our nation. Today, we want to discuss two pressing concerns: the rise of H5N1 bird flu and the resurgence of measles.
**Dr. Tam:** Thank you for having me. These are indeed significant public health issues that require our attention.
**Archyde:** Let’s start with bird flu. The H5N1 strain has been making headlines, spreading rapidly globally. What are your primary concerns here in Canada?
**Dr. Tam:**
We are closely monitoring the situation. This virus is highly contagious among birds and has been found in mammals, including cattle. What worries me most is its potential to infect humans and cause a range of illnesses, from asymptomatic cases to severe, rare but serious ones. [1]
**Archyde:** Canada recorded its first human case of H5N1 in November. What message do you have for Canadians, especially those with backyard poultry?
**Dr. Tam:** This case serves as a critical reminder that the risk of human infection is real. [1]
I urge anyone handling birds,even on a small scale,to prioritize biosecurity measures - wear protective gear,disinfect equipment,and avoid contact with wild birds. If you encounter sick or dead birds, don’t touch them. Contact your veterinarian or local public health authority.
**Archyde:** Shifting gears to measles,this highly contagious disease we thought was eradicated in Canada is resurfacing. What factors are contributing to this alarming trend?
**Dr. Tam:** It’s a concerning trend,indeed. We’ve seen a significant increase in cases this year compared to 2023, largely driven by pockets of unvaccinated individuals within our communities.
**Archyde:** Tragically, a child died from measles in Ontario this year. what message do you have for parents who are hesitant about vaccinating their children?
**Dr.Tam:** This is a heartbreaking reminder of the serious consequences of measles. Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease,and vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your children. [1]
It is essential to stay up-to-date on vaccinations and to consult with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
**Archyde:** Dr. Tam, thank you for your time and insights.
**Dr. Tam:** It was my pleasure. Remember, staying informed and taking preventative measures are crucial to safeguarding our health.
This is a great start to a news article about Dr. Theresa Tam’s concerns regarding H5N1, measles, and COVID-19 in Canada. It’s generally well-written with clear structure and important information. here are some suggestions to further strengthen the article:
**Content Enhancements:**
* **Expand on H5N1:**
* Include more details about the threat to poultry industries and potential economic impacts.
* Provide more information about the virus’s transmission to humans, including specific risk factors.
* Discuss any preventative measures being taken by the Canadian government, such as testing, quarantines, or potential culling of infected flocks.
* **Deepen the Measles discussion:**
* Include information about the groups most at risk of serious complications from measles, beyond just children under five.
* Mention the specific vaccination recommendations for measles in Canada.
* **COVID-19 focus:**
* While you mention a winter surge possibility, address the presence of new COVID-19 variants and their potential impact.
* **Public Health Guidance:**
* provide more concrete advice regarding what steps individuals can take to protect themselves and their families from these threats. This could include specific recommendations about staying up-to-date on vaccinations, hygiene practices, mask-wearing in certain situations, and seeking medical care if they experience symptoms.
**Structural Improvements:**
* **Headings:** Use more descriptive headings to clearly indicate the focus of each section.
* **Sources:** Add citations or hyperlinks where appropriate to support your claims and attribute information to sources. This is especially important for statistical data, quotes, and scientific information.
* **Visual Enhancements:** consider adding more than just the one photo. Graphics, charts, or maps could effectively illustrate the spread of these diseases or vaccination rates.
**Engagement:**
* **Personal anecdotes:** To humanize the story, consider including brief anecdotes from individuals affected by these diseases.This could help readers connect with the issue on an emotional level.
By incorporating these suggestions, you can create a thorough and impactful news article that effectively informs readers about the viruses posing a threat to Canadians and the public health measures necessary to combat them.
