BC sees first human case of H5 bird flu discovered in Canada

Authorities say a Fraser Valley teenager has tested positive for H5 avian influenza – commonly known as avian influenza.

The provincial health officer says this is the first human case of bird flu in B.C. and Canada and there have been no other cases.

The source of the exposure is still under investigation, but authorities believe it was likely an animal or bird.

“This is a rare event and although this is the first case of H5 detected in a person in British Columbia or Canada, there have only been a small number of human cases in the United States and elsewhere, which is why we are conducting a thorough investigation.” to fully understand the source of exposure here in B.C.,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer.

The provincial health officer says he is following up on contacts who may have been exposed to check for symptoms and develop testing and prevention measures.

In the most recent case, bird flu was found on farms in British Columbia found at a petting zoo in Campbell River where over 50 animals were killed after contracting the virus.

People are advised to stay up to date on seasonal flu vaccination, stay away from animal feces, and keep pets away from dead animals.

With files from Angelyna Mintz.