A Canadian teenager is in critical condition after contracting the first human case of H5N1 bird flu in the country.
In a news conference, Bonnie Henry, the provincial health officer, said the teen was in good health prior to contracting the virus with no underlying conditions.
The case was first confirmed on Saturday by British Columbia health officials.
The teen’s age and gender have not been disclosed, however, Henry said they first developed symptoms such as fever, coughing, and conjunctivitis on November 2. They were later tested on November 8 and admitted to a British Columbia children’s hospital.
The teen did not visit a farm not did they come into contact with any livestock such as poultry or cattle. However, they were exposed to other animals such as dogs, cats, and reptiles.
Health officials also tested three dozen contacts but have not found anyone else with the virus.
So far, the source of the infection has not been identified.
Experts say there is currently no evidence that the virus can spread from person to person. But they noted that it’s not entirely impossible and that if it were to occur, it could lead to a pandemic. Still, the risk to the public is low.
Since March, nearly 450 dairy farms have been infected with the H5N1 virus in the U.S, with 46 human cases.
In British Columbia, health officials identified at least 26 affected farms across the province. Numerous wild birds have also tested positive for the virus.
Unlike the U.S., however, there haven’t been any confirmed cases in dairy cattle.
Since then, scientists have confirmed via genome sequencing that the Canadian teen is infected with a version of the H5N1 virus – a different variant compared to the one seen in dairy cattle across the United States.
About the H5N1 Bird Flu Virus
The H5N1 influenza virus typically affects domestic poultry such as chickens and turkeys as well as wild birds such as geese, seagulls, and swans.
Rarely, however, it can infect humans and other mammals.
For example, an individual can become infected with the virus if they come into long-term contact with live poultry at a farm or backyard coop.
For example, a human may become infected if they inhale the virus; it can also occur if the virus enters the nose, eyes, or back of the throat.
Symptoms of H5N1 bird flu include fever, chills, redness in the eyes, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, and fatigue. As the disease progresses, it can also cause pneumonia, difficulty breathing, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Some individuals may also experience seizures and other neurological changes.
Rarely, it can also cause multi-organ failure, which can result in death.
Protecting Yourself From the Bird Flu
The best way to protect yourself from the H5N1 virus is by staying away from sick or dead birds; this includes domestic poultry such as chickens as well as wild birds like ducks and geese.
Pets should also be kept away from dead birds as the virus can transmit to mammals. Just recently, a dog in Ontario was infected with the bird flu after ingesting part of a dead bird.
If at any time, you develop flu-like symptoms after coming into contact with sick animals, seek medical attention right away; they will be able to carry out the necessary testing.
