Ontario is currently facing an outbreak of canine parvovirus (CPV), which has led to spikes in online searches on more information on the dog disease.

Expert Tracy Fisher, a veterinarian from Regina and the president-elect of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, told CTVNews.ca that the frequency of cases varies every year. The expert has also commented that the prominence of CPV in Canada is common and persistent. The outbreak had made headlines earlier this summer in London too.

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What is Canine Parvovirus?

PetMD notes that CPV is the most serious virus that dogs and puppies can get. However, the silver lining here is that it is preventable with proper vaccination, though it is still widely prevalent, especially in puppies and poorly vaccinated adolescent dogs.

DVM Ellen Malmanger writes that CPV is an infectious DNA virus that commonly causes severe illness in young and unvaccinated dogs. It also affects the body's rapidly dividing cells. This means the intestinal tract and bone marrow are usually the most affected.

As per the Veterinary Centers of America (VCA)'s Canadian division, CPV first appeared in dogs in 1978. “The virus that causes this disease is similar to feline panleukopenia (feline distemper); the two diseases are almost identical,” the website for VCA Canada, a network of animal hospitals, says. “However, that has never been scientifically proven.”

VCA Canada notes that primary source of infection is through the ingestion of the feces of already-infected dogs. It can be easily transmitted through contact with the hair or feet of infected dogs or with objects contaminated by the infected feces.

According to VCA Canada, the virus initially targets the animal's tonsils or lymph nodes, where it infects lymphocytes—a type of white blood cell. These infected cells then spread the virus throughout the body, reaching areas such as the bone marrow and the intestinal lining.

Can You Touch A Dog With Parvo?

Humans cannot get parvo from dogs. Parvovirus is species-specific and so the strain that affects dogs, known as CPV cannot infect humans. However, humans can contact similar virus from contaminated surfaces, such as Norovirus, but there is no risk of acquiring parvo from dogs.

What Is Human Parvovirus?

The human parvovirus is different, and is caused by the B19 strain. It was first discovered in 1974 during evaluation and testing for hepatitis B, and was later named by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses in 1985.

Parvovirus B19 is a common and often overlooked infection that spreads from person to person. While it’s not widely talked about, it’s more widespread than most people think — in fact, nearly half of all adults in the U.S. have had it at some point in their lives.

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What makes it tricky to spot is that most people don’t even realize they’ve been infected. The virus rarely causes symptoms, and when it does, they tend to be mild. It’s usually only people with weakened immune systems — where the body’s natural defense isn’t working as it should — who may experience more noticeable effects. That’s because parvovirus B19 can temporarily interfere with the body’s ability to make red blood cells.

Anyone can catch the virus, regardless of age or ethnicity. But those most at risk include individuals with immune system issues or conditions that affect red blood cell production. Children are also more likely to get infected, but in most cases, they don’t show any symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they’re generally mild and manageable.

Colon cancer is no longer an old person's disease. In a recent turn of events, incidence rates for colorectal and other GI cancers are increasing steadily in Americans under the age of 50, which is concerning scientists, physicians, and public health experts worldwide.

Based on the American Cancer Society, in 2025 about 52,900 Americans are predicted to be killed by colorectal cancer, with a disproportionate number of deaths falling among young adults—some in their 20s and 30s. The question that experts are desperately seeking to answer is: Why now?

At the center of the crisis is a hypothesis that's gaining momentum: the American diet and increasing levels of obesity are fueling early-onset colon cancer.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., and a study published in the journal BJS by Oxford University Press indicates this increase is strongly associated with obesity-related circumstances like chronic inflammation, raised insulin, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

A 2019 study identified that women who were defined as obese had almost twice the risk of early-onset colorectal cancer compared to their non-obese peers. With a projection showing that about half of all U.S. adults will be obese by 2030, the association is increasingly difficult to dismiss.

Obesity is not the sole offender. The Western diet, high in ultra-processed foods, red meat, added sugars, and low in fiber, is being put under extreme scrutiny. Conjugated with alcohol intake, smoking, and a lack of physical activity, this diet could be fueling an insidious epidemic.

Another new piece of the puzzle is a toxin named colibactin, which is made by a strain of E. coli living in the colon. It has been discovered to cause damage to colon cells' DNA, forming a biological pathway that may lead to cancer formation.

Although still an emerging field of study, the presence of colibactin-producing bacteria may partly account for why some individuals with no such family history or apparent lifestyle risk develop colorectal cancer in their 30s or 40s. Researchers are increasingly looking to the gut microbiome, an intricate system heavily controlled by diet, antibiotics, and environment.

Why the American Diet Is Being Blamed for Rising Colon Cancer Rates?

The standard American diet—widely known as a Western-style diet—is rich in ultra-processed foods, red and processed meats, added sugars, and refined carbohydrates but poor in fiber, whole grain, and fresh vegetables and fruits. This dietary pattern has for a long time been linked to chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, but increasing evidence now establishes a clear connection with early-onset colorectal cancer as well.

One of the most important factors is obesity, which is growing very fast in America and is now thought to be a major driving force in the incidence of colon cancer in younger adults. Obesity causes chronic inflammation and high levels of insulin in the body—both of which are known to stimulate cancer cell growth, including within the gastrointestinal system.

In a 2019 report, obese women were found to have almost twice the risk of developing early-onset colorectal cancer. Considering that nearly half of all American adults are projected to be obese by 2030, this is an extremely troubling trend.

Furthermore, low-fiber diets prevalent in fast food-dominated and processed food-based diets prolong digestion and inhibit healthy cell turnover in the colon. Fiber is essential for a healthy gut microbiome, the disruption of which can lead to the proliferation of harmful bacteria such as E. coli. Certain strains of E. coli synthesize colibactin, a toxin that has been proven to induce DNA damage in colon cells, causing it to initiate cancer development.

The issue is not limited to a single food category, but instead a combination of unhealthy dietary habits, sedentary lifestyle, and higher intake of pro-inflammatory and metabolic-disturbance-promoting food items.

Simply put, the American diet fosters a setting where cancer is more likely to develop—making it one of the most modifiable risk factors in the fight against early-onset colorectal cancer.

Why Are Young Adults Facing the Brunt of Colon Cancer?

What's of particular concern is how quickly things are shifting. Adults born in 1990 are twice as likely to get colon cancer and four times as likely to get rectal cancer as adults born in 1950. And this increase isn't limited to America—these same trends are being seen across the world.

In American men below 50, colorectal cancer is currently the number one cause of cancer death. In women aged between 50 and younger, it comes second.

These are figures calling for action—but action is slow, in part because colorectal cancer has traditionally been viewed as an old-age disease. That presumption is causing warning signs to go missed, particularly in younger patients who are not considered at risk.

Is Being Diagnosed Too Late Making Treatment Harder?

For younger patients, the path to a diagnosis is typically riddled with obstacles. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, fatigue, rectal bleeding, or unexplained weight loss are commonly dismissed or mislabeled as less severe conditions like hemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome.

By the time they are diagnosed with cancer, it's usually at a late stage—decreasing treatment choices and chances of survival. Even when the treatment is given early in life, younger patients tend to receive harsh therapies, which don't always benefit them but usually compromise quality of life, including fertility, body image, and mental well-being.

As lead author Dr. Char notes, “We’re seeing patients not only battling the disease but also facing financial stress, work disruptions, and emotional trauma at a point in life where they’re just beginning careers or raising young families.”

Colorectal cancer is not affecting all communities equally. Data shows that Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, and Asian Americans are disproportionately impacted—both in incidence and mortality.

This mirrors historical inequities in access to healthcare, preventive tests, and diet, only intensified by economic inequality. In several of these populations, obstacles such as lack of trust in the medical system, lower rates of insurance, and fewer sources of healthy food create prevention and early detection much more difficult.

Public health leaders contend that to stem colorectal cancer is to address not only healthcare systems, but also the wider social determinants of health.

Screening and Awareness Need to Shift Towards Improved Prevention

The increasing burden of early-onset colorectal cancer is forcing health systems to reconsider screening recommendations and public awareness programs. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force already reduced the recommended screening age from 50 to 45, but most experts indicate that may not be soon enough—particularly for individuals at high risk.

Vigilance raising population awareness regarding symptoms, family history risk, and changes in lifestyle is of utmost importance. Early application of screening tests such as colonoscopy and stool DNA tests is effective. However, for younger patients, particularly those who are not insured, access continues to be an issue.

Increased research on early detection, non-invasive diagnostic modalities, and individualized screening intervals is needed urgently.

The rise in early-onset colorectal cancer is not a mystery without leads. Obesity, poor diet, microbial changes, and delayed diagnoses are all contributing factors that can be addressed with policy, education, and targeted intervention but it requires collective will. That means:

• Health systems taking young patients’ symptoms seriously
• Researchers accelerating efforts into microbiome and genetic testing
• Communities pushing for better food access, active lifestyles, and equitable care
• People getting educated on their risk—and fighting for screening

This isn't simply about cancer numbers. It's about the actual lives—lives of young people—lost to a preventable, curable disease. If we persist in viewing colon cancer as something that happens to older people, we'll be losing a generation that's already up against its toughest battle yet.

London is currently dealing with a serious lung sickness called Legionnaires' disease. So far, one person has died, and more than 40 people have gotten sick in just the past week. The Middlesex-London Health Unit has announced this as an outbreak.

The Health Unit UK is working closely with provincial health groups to find out where this sickness started. This involves taking samples from different cooling systems, which can take some time. Officials know people are eager to find the source, and they are too, but they don't have an exact location yet. Teams are busy collecting water samples and swabs from cooling systems. They'll then compare these to samples from the sick people, hoping to find a common source.

Normally, only a few cases of Legionella, the bacteria that causes the disease, are reported each month. However, the number suddenly jumped to 43 new cases, which is why the outbreak was declared. Health officials think the recent warm weather probably played a role in this increase, as the number of cases was much higher than what they usually see at this time of year.

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What is Legionnaires' Disease?

The National Health Services UK explains that Legionnaires' disease is caused by tiny bugs called Legionella bacteria. These bugs are naturally found in water sources like hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large pipes, and parts of air conditioning systems.

It's important to understand that this sickness does not spread from person to person. People get sick when they breathe in tiny drops of water or mist that contain these bacteria. Most people who are exposed to the bacteria don't get sick, but some might get a milder, flu-like illness called Pontiac fever.

Legionnaires Outbreak: Where Is This Bacteria Found?

Legionella bacteria are naturally found in water sources like hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems, and parts of air-conditioning systems. People get sick if these bacteria become airborne as mist (from wind or fans) and are then inhaled.

Most people exposed to Legionella don't get sick, though some might get a milder, flu-like illness called Pontiac Fever, which usually goes away on its own. People who are older, have lung problems, or have weaker immune systems are at a higher risk of getting a serious infection. It's important to remember that Legionella does not spread from person to person.

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Legionnaires Outbreak: Important Health Guidelines to Follow

If you develop symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath, you should seek medical attention right away.

The Health Unit asks all business owners and property managers to make sure their cooling equipment is regularly maintained and cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions. This is the best way to prevent future outbreaks. The Middlesex-London Health Unit also listed some commonly asked questions regarding the disease,

Legionnaires Outbreak: Will Masks Help?

While face masks can reduce your risk of getting respiratory illnesses, including Legionella, the general public's risk for Legionnaires' disease is currently low. Because of this, the Health Unit is not recommending widespread community masks to use specifically to prevent this disease.

Legionella bacteria can spread over a large area through the air. The exact source of this current outbreak hasn't been found yet. At this time, it's not known if this outbreak is from the same location as last year's Legionella outbreak. However, this possibility is being considered as part of the ongoing investigation.

Weld County officials announced on July 7 that mosquito samples collected from two of the county’s three designated trap zones have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The affected areas include Greeley, Evans, Kersey, and LaSalle (Zone One), as well as Johnstown, Milliken, and Platteville (Zone Two).

Mosquitoes from the third trap zone—covering Firestone, Dacono, and Fort Lupton—tested negative for the virus.

Though no human cases have been reported in the county so far this year, health officials are warning residents to be prepared. With the arrival of hotter temperatures in July and August, Culex mosquitoes—the primary carriers of WNV—become more active and more numerous.

“A Permanent Summer Presence”

Jason Chessher, Executive Director of the Weld County Health Department, emphasized the seasonal nature of the virus. “The increasing hot weather often leads to favorable conditions for the Culex mosquito that carries West Nile Virus,” he said. “The public needs to be vigilant, because West Nile Virus has a permanent summer presence in Colorado.”

What Are The Risks?

Most people infected with WNV do not show symptoms, but those who do may begin to feel unwell three to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and sometimes a rash.

While these symptoms may resemble the flu, WNV can lead to more serious complications in some cases, particularly among older adults and those with weakened immune systems. There is currently no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for WNV, which makes prevention especially important. Weld County health authorities recommend seeking medical care promptly if any symptoms arise.

Steps to Stay Safe

Health experts advise residents to take proactive steps to reduce the risk of mosquito bites and virus transmission. These include:

• Eliminate standing water around your home, such as in birdbaths, flower pots, gutters, or pet bowls, as these are prime mosquito breeding grounds.

• Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, or para-menthane-diol.

• Avoid outdoor activity during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.

• Wear protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts and pants if you are outside during these peak hours.

Cases In The Past and Present

Colorado saw a significant spike in WNV cases in 2023, recording 631 infections, 398 hospitalizations, and 51 deaths—the highest in the country that year. In contrast, 2024 has been comparatively mild, with just 76 reported cases statewide, 24 hospitalizations, and no fatalities to date.

Still, with Culex mosquito populations on the rise, officials say it’s crucial not to let your guard down. Weld County will continue monitoring mosquito activity closely and urges the community to follow safety guidelines to help prevent the spread of West Nile Virus this summer.