Canada has confirmed its first human case of bird flu after a teenager in the western province of British Columbia tested positive for the H5 avian flu virus. Health authorities reported that the teenager likely contracted the virus from direct contact with birds or animals. The individual is currently receiving treatment at a children’s hospital.
This marks a rare event in Canada, as human infections from avian flu are uncommon, although they have occurred in other parts of the world, particularly in Asia and Europe. The strain of the virus involved in this case is the H5N1 strain, which has been associated with bird flu outbreaks among poultry and wild birds.
While human-to-human transmission of the virus remains extremely rare, health officials are monitoring the situation closely and taking precautionary measures to prevent further cases. Public health experts are emphasizing the importance of avoiding direct contact with sick or dead birds and reporting any findings of infected wildlife to authorities.
Canada’s health department has also reassured the public that the risk of widespread transmission is very low. This isolated case serves as a reminder of the ongoing vigilance needed to monitor zoonotic diseases, which can occasionally jump from animals to humans.
As of now, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the infection and assess any potential risks to others.
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PRESS UPDATE