Canada Reports First Human Bird Flu Case as Teen Contracts H5 Virus in British Columbia

Canada has reported its first confirmed human case of bird flu after a teenager in British Columbia tested positive for the H5 avian influenza, according to health officials. This is a significant development in Canada’s ongoing monitoring of the avian flu, which has heavily impacted poultry and wildlife but has rarely affected humans.

The infected teenager, whose symptoms surfaced following probable contact with infected birds or animals, is receiving treatment at a children’s hospital. According to a statement released by British Columbia’s public health office, health authorities are tracing all recent contacts of the teenager to determine the exact source of exposure.

“This is a rare event,” British Columbia Health Officer Bonnie Henry said in a statement. “We are conducting a thorough investigation to fully understand the source of exposure here in BC.” Henry underscored that avian flu infections in humans remain rare, and public health officials are prioritizing measures to track and contain the virus.

Health Minister Mark Holland also weighed in, assuring Canadians that the current risk of transmission to the general public remains low. However, he emphasized the importance of preventive measures for those working closely with birds, such as poultry farm workers.

The H5 bird flu strain is widely present in wild bird populations and has caused outbreaks in poultry worldwide, including in Canada and the United States. This strain has even been suspected of causing the deaths of captive tigers and other animals in Vietnamese zoos. In recent months, U.S. authorities have reported multiple human cases among workers in the poultry and dairy industries, intensifying efforts to monitor exposed individuals, especially those in close contact with animals.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S. recently issued new guidelines urging farm workers exposed to infected animals to be tested for the virus, even if they show no symptoms. Since April, the CDC has identified at least 46 human cases of bird flu among U.S. workers.

In Canada, British Columbia has reported bird flu cases in 22 poultry farms since October, alongside a rise in wild bird infections. However, no cases have been detected in Canadian dairy cattle or found in milk samples, distinguishing Canada’s infection patterns from those seen in the U.S.

Since the discovery of H5 avian flu in humans, it has remained predominantly animal-transmitted, with no confirmed human-to-human cases. However, scientists warn that if person-to-person transmission were to occur, it could trigger a global health crisis.