In a concerning development, a teenager in British Columbia has become critically ill with the first human case of the H5N1 bird flu to be reported in Canada. Public health officials are working to determine how the teen contracted the virus, as they have found no evidence of exposure to livestock or poultry, where the virus is typically known to circulate.
The infected individual, whose condition remains severe, had no known contact with poultry or cattle, nor were they linked to any outbreaks currently affecting livestock in the region.
Health officials have identified the strain of H5N1 in this case as the 2.3.4.4b variant of the D1.1 genotype, which is commonly associated with wild birds and poultry. It is important to note that this strain is different from the variant that has been affecting dairy farms and workers in the United States.
As of now, Canada has not detected H5N1 in its cattle herds, although there have been poultry outbreaks in certain areas. The virus, first identified in 1996, has primarily affected wild birds and poultry. However, in recent years, it has been evolving, with notable outbreaks in mammals such as sea lions and elephant seals. In 2024, at least 46 cases of human infection have been reported in the U.S., though these cases have been mild so far.
The teen’s exposure remains a mystery, with no clear links to known sources of infection.
In a recent press briefing, Dr. Bonnie Henry, the provincial health officer of British Columbia, provided an update on the situation. She stated that no other individuals had shown signs of illness, and extensive testing had been carried out.
Dr. Henry expressed her belief that this case was likely a rare, isolated event, noting that if it had been part of a wider exposure, more cases would have emerged by now. She further reassured the public that there was no indication of person-to-person transmission, which remains rare with H5N1.
While the case has raised alarm, experts believe it may not signal an imminent wider outbreak.
Recent studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that while H5N1 is evolving to spread more easily among mammals, it still does not transmit as efficiently as the seasonal flu.
This emphasizes the potential severity of the virus if it gains further ability to spread between humans. Despite this, no evidence currently suggests widespread transmission in Canada.
Public health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, while reassuring the public that immediate risks remain low. As investigations proceed, Canadian health authorities are maintaining a heightened state of awareness but remain hopeful that this case was a rare and isolated occurrence.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Sreelekshmi P/MSM)