Health officials in British Columbia are investigating what is believed to be the first human case of avian influenza contracted within Canada. The Ministry of Health announced on Saturday that a teenager from the Fraser Health region has tested presumptively positive for avian flu and is currently receiving treatment at B.C. Children’s Hospital. Confirmation of the diagnosis is pending, while authorities work to trace possible exposure sources.
Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, primarily affects birds but can occasionally spread to humans through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, noted that this marks the first instance of H5 avian influenza detected in a human in Canada, although isolated cases have been reported in the U.S. and other countries.
“Our thoughts are with this young person and their family during this difficult time,” said Dr. Henry. A comprehensive investigation is underway to determine how the virus may have been transmitted. Public health officials are currently monitoring those who have been in contact with the patient for symptoms and advising on testing and prevention measures. No additional human cases related to this incident have been reported so far.
Infectious disease expert Dr. Isaac Bogoch from Toronto General Hospital expressed concern about the virus’s potential to cause significant harm in humans. Highlighting the virus’s ability to reassort, or exchange genes, Dr. Bogoch emphasized that this could increase its transmissibility. The U.S. has reported at least 44 human cases linked to H5N1 outbreaks, a figure that might be underestimated.
Avian influenza has previously surfaced in Canada, with one fatal case recorded in 2014. A Canadian resident contracted the virus after traveling to China and succumbed to the illness upon return. This new case in B.C. comes as the province battles a surge of H5N1 detections among animals, including outbreaks at 22 poultry farms and cases in wild birds and small mammals like foxes and skunks.
In response to the recent developments, officials have urged the public to avoid contact with sick or deceased animals, keep pets away from wildlife, and report any dead or sick birds or mammals to authorities. Earlier warnings from Vancouver Island’s health authority highlighted potential exposure at a petting farm in Campbell River, further underscoring the virus’s reach within the region.