Canada's First Presumptive Human Bird Flu Case Identified

Canada reports its first suspected human case of H5 bird flu in a teenager from British Columbia. The individual, thought to have contracted the virus from an animal, is receiving medical care. Authorities are investigating exposure sources, emphasizing that public risk remains minimal, with no person-to-person transmission confirmed.

Canada has identified its first potential human case of H5 bird flu in a teenager residing in British Columbia, as health authorities disclosed on Saturday. The individual, likely infected by contact with a bird or animal, is currently under medical supervision at a children's hospital, according to provincial statements.

The origin of the teenager's exposure is under investigation by provincial health officials, who are also tracing any potential contact cases. Despite the situation, Canada's Health Minister, Mark Holland, assured that the risk to the general populace remains low, classifying this as an isolated incident.

Globally, H5 bird flu affects wild birds extensively and has resulted in outbreaks among poultry and dairy cows, notably in the United States. While human cases have emerged among U.S. farm workers, there's no evidence yet of the virus spreading from person to person. Health experts caution that such a development might lead to a pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies.)