OTTAWA – In an unusual development, Canada has reported its first presumptive case of H5 bird flu in a human, involving a teenager from British Columbia. Health authorities confirmed on Saturday that the individual, likely exposed through contact with an infected bird or animal, is currently receiving medical treatment at a children's hospital.
British Columbia health officials are actively investigating the source of exposure and have begun tracing contacts to ensure containment. Health Minister Mark Holland reassured the public, stating that the overall risk remains low.
“This is a rare event,” said British Columbia Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry. “We are conducting a thorough investigation to fully understand the source of exposure here in B.C.”
H5 bird flu, widespread among wild bird populations globally, has been responsible for outbreaks in poultry and, more recently, in dairy cows in the United States. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recorded 46 human cases since April, primarily among farm and poultry workers. The CDC has advised farm workers who have been exposed to infected animals to undergo testing even if they show no symptoms.
Since October, British Columbia has identified 22 infected poultry farms, and numerous wild birds in the province have tested positive for the virus. However, no bird flu cases have been reported in dairy cattle or detected in milk samples in Canada.
To date, there has been no evidence of human-to-human transmission. However, experts caution that if such transmission were to occur, it could pose a significant health risk.
Health authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and have reiterated the importance of safety measures to limit potential spread.
