Topic
In Health
Health • Public Health
Canada and the Northwest Territories held a healthcare announcement in Ottawa on October 5, involving federal and territorial ministers. Health Canada confirmed the event but has not yet published detailed measures, funding figures or program specifics from the announcement.
Health
Health Canada recalled HotHands Rechargeable Hand Warmers on October 1, 2026, after identifying a burn hazard linked to batteries and electrical components. Consumers should stop using affected units, request refunds, and dispose of lithium-ion batteries safely through local waste guidance.
Health
Pennsylvania's measles outbreak has reached 890 confirmed cases across 39 counties, according to the latest state health update. The outbreak has prompted increased vaccination activity, while CDC data show thousands of confirmed measles cases nationwide in 2026.
Health
Ontario is preparing for the 2026-27 respiratory illness season, with free flu and COVID-19 vaccines becoming available first to high-risk and priority groups from September 28, followed by broader eligibility for everyone aged six months and older from October 26.
Health
Canada is investing $80 million over four years in precision oncology research through the Terry Fox Research Institute, expanding genomic data, cancer research capacity and access to personalized treatment approaches across Canadian healthcare institutions.
Health
Key Takeaways Health Minister Marjorie Michel will announce new cancer research funding on September 24. The investment is intended to advance cancer research and personalized cancer care. The announcement will take place at The Ottawa Hospital General Campus in Ottawa. Canada to Announce New Funding for Cancer Research and Personalized Care The Government of Canada.
Health
Hamilton Health Sciences and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton are using an sFlt-1/PlGF ratio blood test when routine assessments cannot confirm suspected pre-eclampsia. The test provides risk information that can guide decisions about monitoring and admission, while local clinicians continue to track its use.
Health
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a Class 1 warning for packaged sandwiches distributed in Alberta because of possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Products sold under Fresh Bites, Spyhill and Fresh & Local brands are affected. No illnesses had been reported when the notice was issued.
Health
Bhutan has reached a major public-health milestone after the World Health Organization validated the country's elimination of dog-transmitted rabies as a public-health problem. The achievement follows years of coordinated work involving health authorities, veterinarians, volunteers and local communities.
Health
The World Health Organization has validated Timor-Leste’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem after years of investigation and surveillance. A 2025 survey covering all 13 municipalities found no transmission at a level requiring a trachoma-specific public health intervention.
Health
The Ebola epidemic centred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has surpassed 6,000 reported cases and 3,000 deaths, WHO says. With many deaths occurring outside treatment centres and among people not identified as contacts, hidden transmission chains remain a central challenge. The Bundibugyo virus outbreak is also complicated by conflict, displacement and limited vaccine options.
Health
WHO says the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak has reached 60 health zones in six provinces. As of Aug. 26, the country had reported 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths, while the emergency retained its international designation.
Health
Canada has extended its temporary Ebola-related border measures for 30 days, through September 28, 2026. The rules include health assessments and quarantines for some travellers, entry prohibitions for certain foreign nationals, and suspended immigration documents for residents of three countries.
Health
Canada is extending temporary Ebola border measures until September 28, 2026, as the government continues its precautionary response to outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. Canada has reported no Ebola cases, while affected travellers may face health assessments, isolation or 21-day quarantine. Certain foreign nationals and immigration applications also currently remain subject to restrictions.
Health
FDA authorized Abbott Diabetes Care's Libre Duo 10 Day system for people aged 2 and older with diabetes. The wearable continuously measures glucose and ketones in fluid beneath the skin and can send automatic alerts to a compatible smartphone when ketones reach a concerning threshold.
Health
CDC says 345 people in 27 states were sick as of Aug. 5, 2026, in a Salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños. The recalled peppers were primarily supplied to restaurants and wholesalers as FDA worked to determine whether they also reached grocery stores.
Health
Toronto Public Health has confirmed Toronto’s first human case of West Nile virus in 2026. Here’s what residents should know about symptoms, the two-to-14-day onset window, who faces a higher risk of severe illness, and practical precautions—from using approved insect repellent to removing standing water—that can help protect families during the city’s active summer mosquito season this year.
Health
A new World Health Organization assessment finds major progress against HIV, including fewer infections and deaths, while warning that funding disruptions, treatment gaps, rising hepatitis mortality and growing antibiotic resistance are slowing broader goals. WHO says integrated primary care, community leadership, better surveillance and wider access to new prevention tools are essential through 2030. worldwide.
Health
Diagnosis rates are climbing as wider screening uncovers early dysglycemia alongside a real population rise in insulin resistance. Two forces, better detection and worsening metabolic health, are driving the change.
Health
Antibiotics can treat bacterial infections, but they do not kill viruses. Misusing them may contribute to antibiotic resistance and reduce their effectiveness.
