First-ever human case of H5 avian influenza in Canada found in B.C.: officials
B.C. health officials say they have detected Canada's first-ever case of H5 avian influenza in a human.
In a news release Saturday afternoon, the office of the provincial health officer said a positive test for the H5 influenza virus was performed at the B.C. Centre 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, B.C. officials are referring to the situation as a "presumptive case" of bird flu.
The person who tested positive is a teenager from B.C.'s Fraser Health region, which stretches from Burnaby to Hope. The infected teen is being treated at BC Children's Hospital in Vancouver, according to the statement.
"Our thoughts are with this young person and their family during this difficult time," said Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, in the release.
"This is a rare event, and while it is the first detected case of H5 in a person in B.C. or in Canada, there have been a small number of human cases in the U.S. and elsewhere, which is why we are conducting a thorough investigation to fully understand the source of exposure here in B.C."
The public health investigation 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 to be an animal or bird, and is being investigated by B.C.'s chief veterinarian and public health teams," the news release reads.
Provincial officials have also been working with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and "other national and U.S. partners" to respond to a surge in H5N1 avian influenza on B.C. poultry farms and among wild birds in the province since early October, the provincial health officer said.
At least 22 infected poultry facilities have been detected since the start of last month, according to Henry's office. "Numerous" wild birds have also tested positive.
Earlier this month, a petting farm on Vancouver Island was forced to euthanize its entire flock of chickens and ducks due to an outbreak of the disease.
B.C. health officials recommended several "prevention measures" people should take to protect themselves against avian influenza.
Those steps included staying up to date on immunizations – especially the seasonal flu vaccine – keeping pets away from sick or dead animals and their feces, 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 avian influenza has been detected, watch for symptoms of influenza-like illness," the news release reads.
"If you get symptoms within 10 days after exposure to sick or dead animals, tell your health-care provider that you have been in contact with sick animals and are concerned about avian influenza. This will help them give you appropriate advice on testing and treatment. Stay home and away from others while you have symptoms."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police find bag carried by gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO, say he likely fled NYC on bus
Investigators found a backpack in Central Park that was carried by the shooter, police said Friday, following a massive sweep to find it in a vast area with lakes and ponds, meadows, playgrounds and a densely wooded section called 'The Ramble.'
A police photographer recounts the harrowing day of the Polytechnique massacre
Montreal crime scene photographer Harold Rosenberg witnessed a lot of horror over his 30 years on the job, though nothing of the magnitude of what he captured with his lens at the Polytechnique on Dec. 6, 1989. He described the day of the Montreal massacre to CTV Quebec Bureau Chief Genevieve Beauchemin.
Quebec premier wants to ban praying in public
Premier François Legault took advantage of the last day of the parliamentary session on Friday to announce to 'Islamists' that he will 'fight' for Quebec values and possibly use the notwithstanding clause to ban prayer in public places such as parks.
Northern Ontario man sentenced for killing his dog
WARNING: This article contains graphic details of animal abuse which may be upsetting to some readers. A 40-year-old northern Ontario man is avoiding prison after pleading guilty to killing his dog earlier this year.
'Home Alone' house up for sale for US$3.8 million in Chicago suburb – but not the one you're thinking of
Social media sleuths noticed that the house next door to the iconic 'Home Alone' house in Winnetka is now up for sale.
Purolator, UPS pause shipments from couriers amid Canada Post strike
Purolator and UPS have paused shipments from some courier companies as they try to work through a deluge of deliveries brought on by the Canada Post strike.
NDP's Singh forces debate on $250 cheques for more Canadians; Conservatives cut it short
With the fate of the federal government's promised $250 cheques for 18.7 million workers hanging in the balance, the NDP forced a debate Friday on a motion pushing for the prime minister to expand eligibility. The conversation was cut short, though, by Conservative MPs' interventions.
Sask. father who kept daughter from mom to prevent COVID-19 vaccine free from additional prison time
Michael Gordon Jackson, the Saskatchewan father who withheld his then seven-year-old daughter from her mom for nearly 100 days to prevent the girl from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, was handed a 12-month prison sentence and 200 days probation on Friday, but credited with time served.
Did daily cannabis use go up after Canada legalized it?
Health Canada says daily cannabis use has remained stable since it was legalized in 2018.