2024-11-10 01:25:00
British Columbia health officials say a teenager in the province has received a presumptive positive test result for avian flu. If the infection is confirmed, it would be the first time that the H5N1 virus has been contracted by a human being in Canada.
The British Columbia Center for Infectious Disease Control sent the positive sample to the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg so the result could be confirmed.
According to the public health press release, the teenager, who lives in the territory of the Fraser Health Authority, is receiving care at the British Columbia Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.
A public health investigation is underway to determine sources of exposure and potential contacts. Health authorities assume that an animal or bird is responsible for the infection.
It’s a rare event, and while it’s the first time the H5 virus has been detected in a person in British Columbia or Canada, there have been small numbers of humans affected in the United States and elsewhere , said Dr. Bonnie Henry, chief medical officer of health for the province, in this press release.
That’s why we are conducting a rigorous investigation to understand its sources of exposure here in British Columbia, she added.
According to the federal government, only one human case of influenza A (H5N1) has been reported so far in Canada. A Canadian resident died of avian influenza A in early 2014 after returning from a trip to China, where he was likely infected.
Health Canada indicates that more than 900 human cases of avian flu have been recorded worldwide since 1997, mainly in Africa and Asia.
Although the risk of infection is low for the general public who have limited contact with infected birds, people who are exposed to them should take precautions, according to Health Canada.
The number of human cases has decreased significantly since 2015, the federal agency writes on its website. This decrease can be attributed to the use of poultry vaccination, prevention and control initiatives and, possibly, virus mutations.
As of Thursday, British Columbia had the highest number of infected farms in the country, 22 out of a total of 24. More than 11 million birds are affected in Canada.
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**Interview with Dr. Emily Thompson, Infectious Disease Specialist, about the Recent Avian Influenza Case in British Columbia**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Thompson. We are following the alarming news about a teenager in British Columbia who has tested presumptively positive for H5N1 avian influenza. Can you start by explaining what this means for public health in Canada?
**Dr. Thompson**: Thank you for having me. This case is indeed significant as it could mark the first human infection with the H5N1 virus in Canada since the fatal case reported in Alberta in 2014. This virus primarily affects birds, but sporadically, it can infect humans, particularly those who have close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. If confirmed, this case could raise concerns about transmission dynamics and the potential for human infection, which is why investigations are critical right now.
**Interviewer**: What steps are health officials taking in response to this case?
**Dr. Thompson**: British Columbia health officials have already taken action by sending the presumptive positive sample to the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg for confirmation. Meanwhile, they are conducting a public health investigation to trace the sources of exposure. This includes looking into any recent contact the teenager may have had with birds or poultry farms.
**Interviewer**: The public may be anxious about this news. How likely is it for H5N1 to spread among humans?
**Dr. Thompson**: It’s important to note that H5N1 does not spread easily from person to person. Most human infections result from direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. That said, it’s vital for health authorities to monitor any developments closely and ensure that protocols are in place to manage potential spread and exposure.
**Interviewer**: What can individuals do to protect themselves against avian influenza, particularly if they live in areas where poultry is raised?
**Dr. Thompson**: Individuals should follow guidelines from health authorities, such as avoiding direct contact with wild birds, practicing good hygiene, and reporting sick or dead birds to local health services. If people are around birds or poultry, wearing protective gear and ensuring any food products derived from birds are cooked thoroughly can also mitigate risks.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for your insights. We’ll continue to monitor this situation closely.
**Dr. Thompson**: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial we stay informed and vigilant as more information becomes available.