First Human Case Of H5 Bird Flu Reported In Canada In A Teenager Who Tested Positive For Virus

British Columbia health officials are investigating what could be Canada's first human case of avian influenza, after a teenager in the Fraser Health region tested presumptively positive for the virus, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Health on Saturday.

The teenager is receiving treatment at B.C. Children's Hospital while authorities work to confirm the diagnosis and determine any sources of exposure. Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a virus primarily affecting birds, though it can occasionally spread to humans through close contact with infected animals or contaminated environments, the ministry noted.

B.C.'s Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, stated this is the first known case of H5 avian influenza or ird flu detected in a person in Canada, though isolated human cases have been reported in the U.S. and other countries. "Our thoughts are with this young person and their family during this challenging time," Dr. Henry said, adding that a detailed investigation is ongoing to understand how the infection may have occurred.

Health officials are currently monitoring contacts of the patient, offering guidance on testing and preventive measures. No additional human cases have been identified in connection with this case so far.

According to the federal government, Canada has previously reported only one human case of A(H5N1), when a Canadian resident died in early 2014 after returning from China, where they were likely infected.

Since October, the H5N1 virus has been found in animals across multiple locations in B.C., including 22 poultry farms, as well as in wild birds and small mammals such as foxes and skunks. Recently, Vancouver Island's health authority also warned of potential avian flu exposure at a petting farm in Campbell River.

With confirmed cases in animals across the province, officials are urging residents to avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife, keep pets away from affected animals, and report any ill or dead birds or mammals to provincial authorities.