Infectious Diseases

U.S. approves first vaccine for RSV after decades of attempts
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration decision makes GSK’s shot, called Arexvy, the first of several potential vaccines in the pipeline for RSV to be licensed anywhere.
Mother to baby HIV transmission shouldn’t be happening in Canada: researchers
Researchers combed through an HIV surveillance database and found 33 babies born in Canada between 2012 and 2021 were infected during pregnancy or delivery.

Whooping cough cases increase in southern Alberta outbreak

An outbreak was declared Jan. 26, but AHS says the number of cases has increased by 120 over the last week.
U.S. FDA authorizes changes to simplify COVID-19 vaccine use in the United States

Bivalent Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are now authorized for all doses, while Pfizer and Moderna monovalent vaccines are no longer authorized for use.
New Omicron XBB.1.16 variant reaches second place on U.S. COVID-19 list

Nicknamed "Arcturus," this strain does not appear to be more dangerous than current strains, but may cause conjunctivitis symptoms in children.
Health Canada approves new antibody drug to help prevent serious RSV in babies

Nirsevimab, also known by its brand name Beyfortus, was authorized on April 19. It was developed by AstraZeneca and Sanofi.
More than Lyme disease: Be aware of increased risk of tick-borne diseases with climate change

In addition to Lyme disease, four other tick-borne diseases have started to emerge in Canada—anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Powassan virus and Borrelia miyamotoi disease.
New HIV testing guidelines now available for Ontario healthcare providers

Guidelines are designed to diagnose HIV early and identify people at high risk of acquiring HIV to enable referral for treatment and preventive services.
Lack of sleep leads to lower antibody response from vaccination

Another factor explaining individual responses to influenza and hepatitis vaccines.
Smart bandage monitors and treats chronic wounds

Preclinical studies suggest it speeds up healing.

U.S. approves first vaccine for RSV after decades of attempts

Mother to baby HIV transmission shouldn’t be happening in Canada: researchers

Whooping cough cases increase in southern Alberta outbreak

U.S. FDA authorizes changes to simplify COVID-19 vaccine use in the United States

New Omicron XBB.1.16 variant reaches second place on U.S. COVID-19 list

Health Canada approves new antibody drug to help prevent serious RSV in babies

More than Lyme disease: Be aware of increased risk of tick-borne diseases with climate change

New HIV testing guidelines now available for Ontario healthcare providers

Lack of sleep leads to lower antibody response from vaccination

Smart bandage monitors and treats chronic wounds