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Canada has reported its first human case of bird flu after a teenager in British Columbia tested positive for the H5 avian flu virus. The teenager, who is currently receiving treatment at a children’s hospital, likely contracted the virus from an infected bird or animal.
Details of the Case
The British Columbia Health Department is working on contact tracing to determine the exact source of the infection. Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s Health Officer, described the incident as “rare” and assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway to understand the exposure source.
Government and Public Health Response
Canada’s Health Minister Mark Holland reassured the public that the risk of transmission remains low for the general population. As bird flu is primarily zoonotic, it usually spreads through contact with infected birds rather than human-to-human transmission.
Context and Global Impact
- H5 bird flu is widespread globally in wild birds and has led to significant outbreaks in poultry and even dairy cattle in the US.
- Several human cases have recently been reported among poultry and dairy workers in the United States.
- The virus has also affected captive zoo animals, including tigers, in Vietnam, showing its ability to impact various animal species.
Precautions and Monitoring
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a recommendation for farm workers in contact with infected animals to undergo testing, even if asymptomatic, to monitor any potential human spread. In the US, bird flu has affected nearly 450 dairy farms across 15 states since March, with 46 human cases reported by the CDC since April. In Canada, British Columbia has identified 22 infected poultry farms since October, along with numerous infected wild birds. While no cases have been reported in Canadian dairy cattle, and there is no evidence of the virus in milk samples, authorities are vigilant.
Future Concerns and Scientific Warnings
Although person-to-person transmission has not been observed, health experts have warned that if human-to-human spread occurs, it could trigger a pandemic. Previous rare cases of H5 in humans have occasionally been reported without a clear animal source.
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