In its first, Canada has detected a presumptive human H5 bird flu case in British Columbia. Health authorities confirmed that a teenager tested positive for avian influenza caused by the H5 influenza virus.
The confirmation of the virus came after healthcare officials sent samples to the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg.
The health officials are identifying those who had been in contact with the infected teen to "assess for symptoms and provide guidance on testing and prevention measures".
As per the statement, the source of exposure is "very likely to be an animal or bird." However, the health department has launched an investigation to find the source of the exposure.
The expert team involves Fraser Health, BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), the BCCDC Public Health Laboratory, BC Children's Hospital, the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
Dr Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer said in a statement that the incident was a "rare event".
According to the World Health Organisation, the H5N1 virus remains an animal virus that primarily infects animals. So far, around 900 human infections have been reported since 2003, of which more than half were fatal.
What is H5N1?
H5N1 is one of several influenza viruses that causes a highly infectious respiratory disease in birds called avian influenza (or "bird flu"). Infections in mammals, including humans, have also been documented.
H5N1 influenza virus infections were also reported among humans and can cause a range of diseases, from mild to severe. It can even be fatal.
The goose/Guangdong lineage of H5N1 avian influenza viruses first emerged in 1996 and has been causing outbreaks in birds since then. Since 2020, a variant of these viruses has led to an unprecedented number of deaths in wild birds and poultry in many countries.
Since 2022, there have been increasing reports of deadly outbreaks among mammals also caused by influenza A(H5) – including influenza A(H5N1) – viruses.
Symptoms of H5N1
The symptoms of H5N1 infection include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, conjunctivitis and other non-respiratory symptoms. The infection may progress quickly to severe respiratory illness and neurologic changes.
Is a vaccine available to prevent human infection with H5N1 viruses?
As part of their influenza pandemic preparedness work, some countries have developed vaccines that could be used for avian influenza viruses, including H5N1. Currently, human infections of H5N1 are limited and vaccines are not recommended.
