Public health updates

Public health2 days agoCanada

Canada plunges into early flu season as vaccines begin to roll out

Canada’s flu season began seven weeks earlier than usual, with national positivity rates exceeding the five per cent epidemic threshold by mid-October. While H1N1 is the dominant strain, experts note that current vaccines remain effective at reducing the severity of illness and the risk of hospitalization.

You can now offer patients the current flu vaccine, which remains effective against the dominant H1N1 strain.

ResearchTech & trends5 days agoCanada

Delay From Hypotension Onset to Appropriate Antifungal Therapy Initiation Is the Critical Determinant of Outcome in Candida Septic Shock.

A study involving Manitoba researchers found that the time taken to start appropriate antifungal therapy is the most significant factor for survival in Candida septic shock. Patients treated within two hours of persistent hypotension had an 86% survival rate, with outcomes worsening by 5% for every hour of delay thereafter.

For patients with suspected Candida septic shock, prioritizing the rapid administration of appropriate antifungal therapy within the first two hours of hypotension is critical.

Public health6 days agoCanada

Canada’s 2-year measles outbreak officially over: PHAC

The Public Health Agency of Canada has declared the two-year national measles outbreak over, following two months without new linked cases. The outbreak resulted in 6,417 total cases across 10 provinces and territories, including 1,033 in Manitoba. Officials continue to emphasize the importance of routine vaccinations to prevent future transmission.

Public healthOct 16, 2026Manitoba

Manitoba Public Health Declares Measles Outbreak Over

Manitoba Public Health has officially declared that the measles outbreak in the province is over. Officials confirmed the situation is now resolved.

ResearchTech & trendsOct 16, 2026Manitoba

Using a Single Dose of Dexamethasone at 0.6 Versus 0.15 mg/kg of Body Weight for the Treatment of Croup: A Multicenter Retrospective Chart Review.

A retrospective study of 14,205 pediatric croup cases in four emergency departments found that a lower 0.15 mg/kg dose of dexamethasone was as effective as the standard 0.6 mg/kg dose regarding return visits. However, the lower dose was linked to a higher rate of hospitalizations, suggesting clinicians should carefully consider the risks when selecting dosages.

When treating pediatric croup, be aware that while a lower dexamethasone dose appears effective, it may be associated with a higher risk of hospitalization.

Services & workforceOct 9, 2026ManitobaWinnipeg (WRHA)

Mental Health Supports on the Move

Shared Health has launched mobile crisis services for adults in Winnipeg facing mental health emergencies. This initiative provides support directly to individuals in their own environment, reducing the need for them to travel to hospitals or clinical settings for care.

Expect fewer mental health patients arriving at hospitals as mobile teams now provide care directly in the community.