B.C. teen with avian flu is in critical condition, provincial health officer says
A teenager who recently tested positive for avian flu is currently in critical condition and receiving treatment for acute respiratory distress at B.C. Children’s Hospital, according to Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry. This marks the first presumptive human case of avian flu contracted in Canada, with the teen being admitted to the hospital late Friday.
Dr. Henry noted that the teenager’s condition has been fluctuating over the weekend, and efforts are underway to confirm the diagnosis and trace potential sources of exposure through the B.C. Centre for Disease Control. She expressed her thoughts and support for the individual and their family during this challenging time.
It is believed that the teenager likely contracted the illness from exposure to an animal or the environment, although there is a possibility that the exact source may never be identified. Privacy considerations limit the information that can be shared publicly about the teen, but it was disclosed that they did not have any underlying medical conditions.
The teen initially sought medical attention at the emergency department on Nov. 2, tested positive, and was sent home. However, they returned to the hospital when symptoms worsened in the following days. Contact tracing has been conducted on approximately 35 to 40 individuals who had close contact with the teen, including family members, friends, and acquaintances. As of now, no other cases of the virus have been identified in B.C.
Despite not having any direct contact with birds, the teenager did interact with various other animals, such as dogs, cats, and reptiles, before falling ill. Tests conducted on these animals have so far returned negative for the virus. There have been no connections established between the teen and local farms that have experienced avian flu outbreaks, nor with outbreaks in neighboring Washington state.
The case is still considered a “presumptive positive” until it is confirmed by the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg, which is expected to occur later this week.
While human infections with avian influenza are rare, Health Canada warns that symptoms can range from mild to severe, potentially leading to serious complications such as pneumonia, organ failure, and even death. Since 1997, over 900 human cases have been reported globally, predominantly in Asia and Africa, with approximately half resulting in fatalities.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has reported that as of Nov. 10, 23 sites in B.C., mostly commercial poultry operations, are actively managing avian flu infections, affecting an estimated 6.4 million birds in the province.
As the situation continues to evolve, health officials are working diligently to contain the spread of the virus and provide necessary care and support to those affected. The community is urged to remain vigilant and follow recommended precautions to minimize the risk of contracting avian flu.
