Canada's First Avian Flu Case: Teenager in Critical Condition

A British Columbia teenager is in critical condition with Canada's first presumptive human case of avian influenza. Officials suspect the H5N1 strain, known to have low human transmission risk. Despite no known human-to-human spread, public health authorities are investigating potential sources and monitoring contacts closely.

A teenager in British Columbia is battling a critical illness, marking Canada's first presumed human case of avian influenza. According to a statement by provincial health officer Bonnie Henry, this was a previously healthy teenager now suffering rapid disease progression.

Health officials suspect the case involves the H5N1 strain of the virus, which the World Health Organization considers a low risk to humans. Despite no direct evidence of human transmission, the virus has been detected increasingly in animals, including cattle in the U.S.

The patient, showing symptoms such as conjunctivitis and coughing, had no direct farm contact but was exposed to domestic animals. With no infection source identified, the situation has prompted public health officials to test several contacts. The CDC in the U.S. has recommended testing for farm workers exposed to affected animals.

(With inputs from agencies.)