B.C. investigating 1st presumptive human avian flu case caught in Canada

British Columbia health officials are currently investigating what is believed to be the first human case of avian influenza caught in Canada. The Ministry of Health announced on Saturday that a teenager from the Fraser Health region has tested presumptively positive for the disease. The teenager is currently receiving care at B.C. Children’s Hospital as officials work to confirm the diagnosis and trace potential sources of exposure.

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a virus that primarily affects birds but can occasionally spread to humans through contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, stated that this case marks the first time H5 avian influenza has been caught by a person in Canada. While isolated cases have been reported in the U.S. and other countries, this is a significant development in Canada.

A thorough investigation is currently underway to understand how the virus may have been contracted. Public health officials are tracking contacts of the patient to monitor for symptoms and provide guidance on testing and prevention measures. As of now, no other human cases have been identified in connection with this incident.

Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist at Toronto General Hospital, expressed concern over the potential clinical harm this virus can cause in humans. Avian influenza has the potential to lead to severe symptoms such as pneumonia, organ failure, and even death.

Health Canada reports that since 1997, over 900 human cases of avian influenza have been reported globally, with about half resulting in death. However, the fatality rate may be overestimated as mild infections are often undetected and underreported. The ability of the virus to reassort or swap genes makes it concerning as it can become more readily transmissible.

In light of the confirmed cases among animals in B.C., residents are urged to avoid direct contact with sick or dead animals, keep pets away from affected wildlife, and report any dead or ill birds or mammals to provincial authorities. This serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and preventative measures in the face of emerging infectious diseases.