British Columbia health officials are currently investigating what may be Canada’s first human case of avian influenza, or bird flu, after a teenager from the Fraser Health region tested presumptively positive. The teenager is receiving care at B.C. Children’s Hospital while experts confirm the diagnosis and work to trace the source of exposure. Avian influenza primarily impacts birds but can sometimes infect humans through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.
B.C.’s health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, noted this would be the first detection of the H5 avian influenza strain in a person in Canada, though there have been isolated cases in the U.S. and other countries. Officials are closely monitoring contacts of the affected person to watch for symptoms, and no other human cases have been linked to this incident so far. Due to recent cases in animals across B.C., including at poultry farms and in wildlife, residents are being advised to avoid contact with sick or deceased animals and report any such findings to local authorities. This case underscores the importance of staying informed on avian flu precautions, as health officials continue to monitor and control potential spread.
