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

Authorities say a teenager from the Fraser Valley has tested positive for H5 bird flu — commonly known as bird flu.

The provincial health officer says this is the first human case of bird flu in BC and Canada, and there have been no further cases.

The source of exposure is still under investigation, but authorities say it likely came from an animal or bird.

“This is a rare occurrence and although it is the first confirmed case of H5 in a person in BC or in Canada, there have been a small number of human cases in the US and elsewhere, so we are conducting a thorough investigation to fully understand the source of exposure here in BC,” said provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.

The province’s health officer says it is following up with contacts who may have been exposed to check for symptoms and develop testing and prevention measures.

Bird flu has been detected across farms in BC, with the latest case found at a petting farm in Campbell River where over 50 animals were killed after catching the virus.

People are advised to stay up-to-date on the seasonal flu vaccine, stay away from animal droppings and keep pets away from dead animals.

With files from Angelyna Mintz.