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Canada’s Inflation Cools to 2.2% in October Amid Cheaper Gas and Groceries

  Motorists fuel up at an ONroute gas station near Maple, Ont., on April 1, 2025. Lower gas prices helped bring overall inflation down in October, Statistics Canada says. Canada’s annual inflation rate eased to 2.2% in October , down from 2.4% in September. The slowdown was largely driven by falling gasoline and grocery prices, offering some relief to consumers after months of persistent cost pressures. Key Drivers of the Decline Gasoline prices dropped 4.8% month-over-month , as retailers switched to cheaper winter fuel blends and global crude oil prices fell due to oversupply concerns. Grocery prices fell 0.6% in October , marking the largest monthly decline since September 2020. Annual grocery inflation cooled to 3.4% , down from 4% in September, with lower costs for processed foods and fresh vegetables offsetting higher prices for chicken. Excluding gasoline, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.6% year-over-year , showing that underlying inflationary pressures remain....

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Zoonotic Diseases: Understanding the Jump from Animals to Humans

 

Zoonotic diseases are those that naturally transfer from vertebrate animals to humans. These infections can pose risks to human health, and some of the most notable examples include:

  1. COVID-19: The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus originated from animals, likely bats, and spread globally. Although the risk to humans is generally low, the virus continues to impact lives worldwide.

  2. Avian Flu (H5N1): Also known as bird flu, this zoonotic disease has affected both birds and humans. While human cases are relatively rare, scientists remain concerned about its potential to spread further.

  3. Ebola Virus: Ebola outbreaks have occurred in Africa, with the virus crossing from animals (likely bats or primates) to humans. These outbreaks can be severe and deadly.

  4. Salmonellosis: Caused by Salmonella bacteria, this zoonotic infection often results from consuming contaminated food or water. It can cause gastrointestinal symptoms in humans.

Understanding zoonotic diseases is crucial for preventing future outbreaks. Factors like climate change and increased human-animal interactions contribute to their emergence. As we navigate these risks, vigilance and research remain essential to safeguarding public health. 

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