A teenager in Canada has tested positive for avian flu.
A Rare Event
He is currently in a British Columbia children’s hospital, infected with the H5 strain of the virus, according to the province’s Health Ministry.
“This is a rare event,” stated Bonnie Henry, a public health official in British Columbia.
Health officials are conducting a full investigation to identify the source of exposure. They are also tracking the patient’s contacts to prevent further spread, according to Hotnews.
Avian flu, or bird flu, primarily affects wild birds and poultry but can sometimes spread to humans and mammals.
Recently, cases of the virus have been detected in cows and pigs, sparking concern among health experts.
In October, the United States confirmed avian flu in pigs, marking the first time it has spread to these animals. In April, Texas reported the world’s first case of avian flu passing from a cow to a human.
Unusual Number of Mammal Infections
This year has seen an unusual number of mammal infections, which raises concerns.
The virus has been spreading widely in bird populations across North America, Europe, and Asia, increasing the chances of it jumping to other species.
In September, a resident of Missouri became the 14th person in the United States to test positive for avian flu this year.
Notably, this patient had no known contact with animals. This raises questions about possible new transmission pathways.
Human cases of avian flu are still rare. However, health experts are worried that ongoing circulation of the virus among birds and mammals could allow it to mutate.
Higher mutation rates could make it easier for the virus to spread between humans. Scientists closely monitor these strains, as certain mutations could increase the risk of human-to-human transmission.
The H5 strain, which infected the Canadian teenager, is particularly concerning due to its potential to adapt in mammals.
Most human cases of avian flu involve people with direct contact with infected birds. Symptoms are similar to regular flu, including fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches. In severe cases, avian flu can cause respiratory distress and even death.
