BC discovers Canada’s 1st human case of bird flu: officials

BC health officials say they have discovered Canada’s first ever case of H5 bird flu in a human.

IN a press release Saturday afternoonthe office of the provincial health officer said a positive test for the H5 influenza virus was conducted at the BC Center for Disease Control’s public health laboratory.

Samples are now being sent to the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg, the office said.

Pending confirmation from the national laboratory, BC officials are referring to the situation as a “suspected case” of bird flu.

The person who tested positive is a teenager from BC’s Fraser Health region, which stretches from Burnaby to Hope. The infected teenager is being treated at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, according to the statement.

“Our thoughts are with this young person and their family at this difficult time,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC’s provincial health officer, in the release.

“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”

The public health survey will also identify any contacts of the infected person, assess them for symptoms and provide guidance on testing and prevention, Henry’s office said.

“The source of exposure is very likely an animal or bird and is being investigated by BC’s Chief Veterinarian and Public Health team,” the press release reads.

Provincial officials have also been working with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and “other national and US partners” to respond to an increase in H5N1 bird flu on BC poultry farms and among wild birds in the province since early October, the provincial health officer said.

At least 22 infected poultry plants have been discovered since the beginning of last month, according to Henry’s office. “Numerous” wild birds have also tested positive.

Earlier this month, a pet farm on Vancouver Island was forced to cull its entire flock of chickens and ducks due to an outbreak of the disease.

BC health officials recommended several “preventive measures” that people should take to protect themselves from bird flu.

Those steps included staying up-to-date on immunizations — especially the seasonal flu vaccine — keeping pets away from sick or dead animals and their droppings, and reporting dead or sick birds or other animals.

“If you have been exposed to sick or dead birds or animals or work on a farm where bird flu has been detected, watch for symptoms of flu-like illness,” the press release reads.

“If you develop symptoms within 10 days of exposure to sick or dead animals, tell your doctor that you have been in contact with sick animals and are concerned about bird flu. This will help them give you appropriate advice about testing and treatment. Stay home and away from others while you have symptoms.”