Commonwealth_ British Columbia health officials have identified the first-ever Canadian case of H5 avian influenza in a human. The BC Centre for Disease Control’s public health laboratory detected the presumed case through testing, and they are now sending additional samples to the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg for confirmation.
This case involves a teenager from the Fraser Health region, which includes areas from Burnaby to Hope. Currently, the teen is receiving care at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver. Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC’s provincial health officer, expressed empathy for the affected individual and their family, noting, “Our thoughts are with this young person and their family during this difficult time.” Dr. Henry emphasized the rarity of this event, noting that although this is the first detected case of H5 avian influenza in a person in British Columbia or Canada, there have been previous cases in the U.S. and other countries. This underscores the importance of a comprehensive investigation to fully understand how exposure occurred in this case.
As part of the response, public health officials are conducting an in-depth investigation to trace the source of exposure and monitor anyone who may have been in contact with the infected individual. Contacts will be assessed for symptoms, given guidance on testing, and offered advice on prevention. The public health office has indicated that the likely source of exposure was an animal or bird, and B.C.’s chief veterinarian, alongside public health teams, is working to confirm this.
B.C. officials have been working closely with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and other partners, including counterparts in the U.S., in response to a significant uptick in H5N1 avian influenza cases among both poultry and wild birds across the province. This surge began in early October and has impacted at least 22 poultry facilities in the region, as well as numerous wild birds. Earlier in the month, a petting farm on Vancouver Island was required to euthanize its entire flock of chickens and ducks after an outbreak was confirmed on-site.
The provincial health office also advised the public on measures to reduce their risk of contracting avian influenza. The recommendations include staying current with immunizations, especially the seasonal flu vaccine, as this can help reduce the risk of contracting the influenza virus. Additionally, people are advised to keep pets away from any sick or dead animals or their faeces, as pets can serve as transmission vectors. Officials also emphasized the importance of reporting sick or dead birds or other animals to help health authorities monitor and manage outbreaks.
People who work on farms or have come into contact with sick or dead animals should monitor for symptoms of flu-like illness, such as fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, or fatigue. Individuals should report any symptoms to their healthcare provider within 10 days of exposure, mentioning their contact with sick animals and concerns about avian influenza. This allows healthcare providers to assess the risk and offer appropriate testing and treatment. Dr. Henry’s office advised anyone with symptoms to stay home and isolate to prevent potential spread.
While the situation remains closely monitored, provincial health authorities are cautious, as avian influenza cases in humans are generally rare but can have serious consequences. The ongoing coordination between public health teams and animal health experts aims to safeguard both public health and animal populations. The surge in H5N1 avian influenza among birds in British Columbia highlights the need for preventive measures and public awareness of ways to mitigate exposure.
