Representative image/credit-Freepik
In a rare event, Canada has detected its first presumptive human case of H5 bird flu, found in a teenager from British Columbia. Health officials disclosed that the teenager, likely exposed through an infected bird or animal, is currently under medical care at a children’s hospital. While H5 avian flu is widely spread among wild birds, with outbreaks in poultry and, more recently, in U.S. dairy farms, transmission to humans remains uncommon. Officials are investigating the teen’s contacts and possible sources of exposure but reassured the public that the risk remains low. Health Minister Mark Holland confirmed this assessment and emphasized ongoing monitoring and precautionary steps.
British Columbia Health Officer Bonnie Henry emphasized that human H5 infections are rare. “This is a unique incident,” she said, noting that the province is rigorously working to understand the exposure pathway. In the United States, farm workers with exposure to infected animals are now routinely tested, symptomatic or not, following guidance from the CDC. Since March, nearly 450 U.S. dairy farms have seen H5 outbreaks, but human-to-human transmission has not been documented, reducing concerns of immediate large-scale spread. In British Columbia, 22 infected poultry farms and several wild birds have tested positive for H5 recently, though no dairy cattle in Canada have shown cases, nor has bird flu been found in milk samples.
FAQs on Human H5 Bird Flu
What is H5 bird flu?
H5 bird flu is an avian influenza virus primarily affecting wild birds, though it can occasionally spread to poultry and other animals. Human infections are very rare.
How does H5 bird flu spread to humans?
Transmission usually occurs through close contact with infected birds, animals, or contaminated environments, rather than person-to-person spread.
What are the symptoms of H5 bird flu in humans?
Symptoms in humans can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe respiratory issues. Medical intervention is necessary for serious cases.
What precautions should the public take?
For most people, avoiding direct contact with wild birds and adhering to hygiene practices around animals, particularly poultry, are the most effective preventive measures.