2024-11-13 23:05:00
The Public Health Agency of Canada has confirmed the first human case of H5N1 avian influenza contracted in Canada.
On Wednesday, the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg confirmed that the British Columbian teenager hospitalized since last week at Vancouver Children’s Hospital has H5N1 avian flu.
According to the Public Health Agency, genomic sequencing indicates the virus is similar to H5N1 avian influenza viruses originating from the ongoing poultry outbreak in British Columbia.
On Wednesday, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency noted 22 commercial locations and one non-commercial area affected by cases of avian flu in the province, mainly in the Fraser Valley.
No other human cases in Canada
The Public Health Agency of Canada specifies that no other case of avian flu has been identified to date in a human in the country.
According to current data, the risk of infection by avian flu for the general public is still low, specifies the Agency.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently lists 46 confirmed cases of bird flu in people. Of these, 20 people were exposed to infected poultry, and 25 to infected livestock.
In the United States, there are surely more than that, estimates Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt, professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Montreal. He explains the situation by the reluctance of some Americans to collaborate with the authorities to get tested.
It’s unusual for a human being to be infected with avian influenza, but it’s still something we see occasionally around the world, adds Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt.
Evolution of the virus
The Public Health Agency of Canada says mutations found in some of the H5N1 influenza strains circulating in birds and mammals in North America from 2022 to 2024 increase virulence in mice experimentally.
Additionally, recent preliminary results from pathogenicity and transmissibility studies indicate that recombinant A(H5N1) strains cause more severe disease in ferrets, increasing concerns about the potential for transmission to humans, says the ‘Agency on its website.
For his part, Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt explains that the virus found in British Columbia shares certain characteristics with the strain which spread in Asia in the early 2000s, and which has become a global threat, according to the Canadian Research Agency. food inspection.
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Colorized transmission electron micrograph of H5N1 avian influenza virus particles (pink), cultured in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney epithelial cells.
Photo : CDC et NIAID/Flickr
Still, it’s still H5N1. It is related, but does not necessarily have the same characteristics in relation to the human being, nuance Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt.
The current H5N1 is forcing us to rewrite the reference books because it is a virus that has been known to infect at least nearly 500 species of birds and over 200 species of mammals.
A quote from Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt, professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Montreal
Relative risks
This is worrying for public health, for the people who work closely with these animals, adds the professor, who also insists on making a distinction.
There is no risk if you eat chicken, turkey or eggs. That’s not how people are going to get infected.
A quote from Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt, professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Montreal
It is rather by being in very close contact with infected birds or mammals or their environment that humans can be exposed to the virus, he specifies.
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Professor Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt specifies that migratory birds represent the main reservoir of the H5N1 virus. (Archive photo)
Photo : Radio-Canada / Maggie MacPherson
Teenager in critical condition
The British Columbia teenager, who was in good health before his infection, was in critical condition Tuesday.
Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s chief medical health officer, said the teen has not traveled or been in contact with farms.
Authorities say the ongoing investigation has not yet revealed how the person became infected with bird flu.
British Columbia authorities continue their extensive public health investigation and are implementing rigorous measures, including contact tracing, testing and administering antiviral medications to contacts to prevent infection and stem the spread potential of the virus, says the Public Health Agency of Canada.
With information from Benoît Ferradini
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**Interview with Professor Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt on the First Human Case of H5N1 Avian Influenza in Canada**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Professor Vaillancourt. The recent confirmation of the first human case of H5N1 avian influenza in Canada has raised many questions. Can you tell us more about this case and what it means for public health?
**Professor Vaillancourt:** Thank you for having me. The recent case involves a teenager in British Columbia who was hospitalized with H5N1 avian flu. Genomic sequencing has shown that the virus shares similarities with strains linked to the current poultry outbreak in that region. While it’s unusual for humans to contract this virus, it does occur occasionally.
**Editor:** The Public Health Agency of Canada mentioned that no other human cases have been identified so far. How significant is that, and what does it say about the risk to the general public?
**Professor Vaillancourt:** That’s correct. As of now, this appears to be an isolated incident. The Public Health Agency has assessed the risk of infection for the general public as low. However, it’s important to remain vigilant, particularly for those working closely with poultry and other livestock, as they may face higher risks.
**Editor:** You mentioned the mutations found in some H5N1 strains. Could you elaborate on how these mutations might affect the virus’s behavior?
**Professor Vaillancourt:** Certainly. The mutations increase the virus’s virulence in animals, like mice and ferrets, which raises concerns about its potential transmission to humans. While it shares some characteristics with a historical strain from the early 2000s that posed a global threat, the current H5N1 is unique and requires us to adapt our understanding accordingly.
**Editor:** What precautions should people take, particularly those who work with or around birds or livestock?
**Professor Vaillancourt:** It’s vital to practice good hygiene and biosecurity measures, including proper handling and cooking of poultry. Importantly, there is no risk associated with consuming properly cooked chicken. Individuals in contact with birds should be aware and report any unusual health issues among their flocks or themselves.
**Editor:** Lastly, there’s been debate regarding the underreporting of avian influenza cases in the U.S. What are your thoughts on this?
**Professor Vaillancourt:** I believe there may be more cases than officially reported, as some individuals might hesitate to seek testing. This underlines the need for active surveillance and public cooperation with health authorities. The evolving threat requires a commitment to monitoring both animal and human health closely.
**Editor:** Thank you, Professor Vaillancourt, for your insights. As this situation develops, we appreciate your expertise in understanding the implications of H5N1 avian influenza.
**Professor Vaillancourt:** Thank you for having me. Staying informed is crucial as we navigate this public health challenge.
