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Canada - British Columbia health statement: First confirmed positive human case of H5N1 avian influenza detected in B.C. - November 9, 2024

Treyfish

Moderator
First presumptive positive case of H5 avian influenza detected in B.C.

First presumptive positive case of H5 avian influenza detected in B.C.


An individual in British Columbia has tested presumptive positive for avian influenza (also known as bird flu) caused by the H5 influenza virus, the first detection of avian influenza due to the H5 virus in a person in B.C.​


An individual in British Columbia has tested presumptive positive for avian influenza (also known as bird flu) caused by the H5 influenza virus, the first detection of avian influenza due to the H5 virus in a person in B.C.

This is also the first detection of a presumed human case of H5 avian influenza acquired in Canada. The positive test for H5 was performed at the BC Centre for Disease Control’s Public-Health Laboratory. Samples are being sent to the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg for confirmatory testing.

The individual is a teenager from the Fraser Health region who is receiving care at BC Children’s Hospital. A public-health investigation has been initiated to determine the source of exposure and identify any contacts.

“Our thoughts are with this young person and their family during this difficult time,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer. “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.”

Public health is following up with contacts who may have been exposed in order to assess for symptoms and provide guidance on testing and prevention measures. There have been no further cases identified at this time. 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 investigation involves public health teams from Fraser Health, BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), the BCCDC Public Health Laboratory, BC Children’s Hospital, the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, Office of the Chief Veterinarian, Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and others.

Health, animal and environmental partners across B.C. have also been working together and with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and other national and U.S. partners to respond to the increased detections of H5N1 avian influenza in poultry farms and wild birds in the province since early October.

Prevention measures

To protect yourself against avian influenza, the following prevention measures are recommended:
  • Stay up to date on all immunizations, especially the seasonal flu vaccine.
  • Do not touch sick or dead animals or their droppings and do not bring sick wild animals into your home.
  • Keep your pets away from sick or dead animals and their feces (poo).
  • Report dead or sick birds or animals.
    • For poultry or livestock, contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Animal Health office: https://inspection.canada.ca/en/about-cfia/contact-cfia-office-telephone#bc-animal
    • For pets, contact your veterinarian or call the BC Animal Health Centre at 1 800 661-9903
    • For wild birds, contact the BC Wild Bird Mortality Line: 1 866 431-2473
    • For wild mammals, contact the BC Wildlife Health Program: 1 250 751-7246
If you have been exposed to sick or dead birds or animals or work on farm where avian influenza has been detected, watch for symptoms of influenza-like illness (see link below for more details). 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.

About avian influenza

Avian influenza viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds and spread easily from bird to bird. Since 2022, there has been unprecedented global spread of avian influenza caused by the H5N1 virus. While it mostly affects birds, it can affect other animals too. In addition to cases reported in wild birds and poultry farms in North America, the virus has infected mammals including dairy cattle, foxes, skunks, marine mammals and more. There have also been isolated reports of H5N1 detections in goats and in a pig in the United States. There have also been reports of cases in humans, notably following exposure to infected animals.

In B.C., H5N1 has been detected in wild birds, on poultry farms and among small wild mammals, including skunks and foxes. Most cases have been reported during migration season, when wild birds carrying the virus are in high numbers in B.C. Since the beginning of October 2024, at least 22 infected poultry premises have been identified in B.C., along with numerous wild birds testing positive

In B.C. and Canada, there have been no cases reported in dairy cattle and no evidence of avian influenza in samples of milk.

Influenza viruses are adaptable and can change when strains from humans or different animal species mix and exchange genetic information. Avian influenza could become more serious if the virus develops the ability to transmit from person to person, with potential for human-to-human transmission.

Learn More:
​:tiphat:

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024HLTH0152-001583#
 
British Columbia detects first presumptive human H5 bird flu case in Canada

By Reuters
November 9, 20247:00 PM ESTUpdated 2 min ago​
....
T​​​​​​he individual presumed to be infected is a teenager who is receiving care at a children's hospital, the province said in a statement.
It added that an investigation had been initiated to determine the source of exposure and identify any contacts....

:tiphat:
https://www.reuters.com/business/he...ive-human-h5-bird-flu-case-canada-2024-11-10/
 
BC teen contracts first known human case of bird flu in Canada

Paul James
Nov 9, 2024 | 4:53 PM

BC’s top doctor says a young person is being treated in BC Children’s Hospital for H5 influenza — or bird flu.

This is the first known case of a human bird flu infection in both BC and Canada.

The affected teenager lives somewhere in the Fraser Health Authority, but a specific municipality has not been identified by provincial authorities.

Fraser Health includes portions of the Fraser Canyon, but also covers most of the communities in the Lower Mainland east of Burnaby, as well as the Fraser Valley.


The BC Government has also not specified when the test for the presumptive positive was first administered, but does say the lab results from the BC Centre for Disease Control are being sent to the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg for further testing.

Symptoms of bird flu normally appear three to five days after exposure, according to the UK’s National Health Service, which....

...BC’s Chief Veterinarian, as well as public health teams, are also involved in the investigation.

Numerous cases of bird flu have been detected in poultry farms in the Fraser Valley in recent years.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is reporting a current wave of the H5N1 strain has been detected on 22 properties in BC, with 6.5 million birds potentially impacted.

It’s not clear if there is any connection between this most recent outbreak in poultry flocks and the case involving the BC teenager....

:tiphat:
https://www.radionl.com/2024/11/09/bc-teen-contracts-first-known-human-case-of-bird-flu-in-canada/
 
Raj Rajnarayanan
@RajlabN
·
27m


#H5N1 #AvianInfluenza updates The recent #H5N1 human case reported from British Columbia, Canada is likely to be the same type as the one circulating in Washington, USA (and not the Dairy Cattle linked B3.13) https://x.com/RajlabN/status/1855105360136171955…
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Ngt0V722_normal.jpg

Raj Rajnarayanan
@RajlabN
·
49m
[HASHTAG="c2811"]H5N1[/HASHTAG] #AvianInfluenza updates Quick analysis of the recently uploaded sequences to @gisaid from #BritishColumbia [HASHTAG="c944"]Canada[/HASHTAG] [Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Red tailed Hawk, Green Winged Teal] HA mutations: V11I, T52A, K341R, N491D Ref: HA A/Astrakhan/3212/2020 1/n x.com/RajlabN/status…
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Raj Rajnarayanan
@RajlabN
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will update once the sequence from the human case from BC is uploaded






4

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Raj Rajnarayanan
@RajlabN
·
49m


#H5N1 #AvianInfluenza updates Quick analysis of the recently uploaded sequences to
@gisaid
from #BritishColumbia #Canada [Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Red tailed Hawk, Green Winged Teal] HA mutations: V11I, T52A, K341R, N491D Ref: HA A/Astrakhan/3212/2020 1/n
Show more
Quote
Ngt0V722_normal.jpg

Raj Rajnarayanan
@RajlabN
·
1h
[HASHTAG="c2811"]H5N1[/HASHTAG] #AvianInfluenza updates #BritishColumbia [HASHTAG="c944"]Canada[/HASHTAG] reports first human case x.com/bnofeed/status…


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Raj Rajnarayanan
@RajlabN
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PB2 mutations: Note: Does not contain Dairy Cattle signature PB2 M631L
Image

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Dr. Bonnie Henry to provide update on B.C.’s first presumptive case of H5N1

By Charlie Carey

Posted November 12, 2024 9:25 am.

B.C.’s provincial health officer is set to appear before the media on Tuesday after the first presumptive case of avian influenza in Canada, the H5 virus, was detected in the province over the weekend.

Dr. Bonnie Henry is slated to speak at 11:30 a.m.

Authorities shared on Saturday that a teenager in the Fraser Health region had tested positive for the virus, otherwise known as bird flu…
​:tiphat:
https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2024/11/12/bc-avian-flu-detected-update/
 

9m
The infection source is still unknown. BH says they might not ever determine the source.
Ξpi-Yeti
@TheMemeticist
·
8m
There are no links to travel, the first case of H5N1 to be acquired in Canada.
Ξpi-Yeti
@TheMemeticist
·
2m
There are no links to poultry farming either. They are currently mostly looking at exposure from pets. ·
16m
Replying to
@TheMemeticist
Like Spanish flu? More dangerous for the younger generations?
Ξpi-Yeti
@TheMemeticist
·
13m
That seems to be a pattern with bird flus.​
 
The teenager who tested positive for avian flu is in critical condition and being treated at B.C. Children's Hospital, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says. Henry says the teen, the first presumptive human case of avian flu contracted in Canada, was admitted to hospital late Friday. https://www.cbc.ca/lite/story/1.7381342
 
B.C. teen with bird flu is in critical care, infection source unknown: health officer

Chuck Chiang
Tue, November 12, 2024 at 3:04 p.m. EST

British Columbia's provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says the teenager who has tested positive for bird flu is in critical condition and being treated at B.C. Children's Hospital.

....was admitted to hospital late Friday.

... likely that the teenager contracted the illness from exposure to an animal or the environment, although there’s a “very real possibility” that the source will never be found.

Henry says 12 other people have been tested for avian flu, including medical workers who came into contact with the teen, but they haven’t identified anyone else as having the illness.

She says they have found no link between the teen and any of the two dozen poultry farms in B.C.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 12, 2024.
​:tiphat:
​​​​​​https://ca.style.yahoo.com/b-c-teen-bird-flu-200455059.html
 
...Their condition "varied" over the weekend, Henry said, adding "our thoughts continue to be with this person and their family."...the B.C. Centre for ..Disease Control had given her "confidence" that the teen has H5 avian influenza, also known as bird flu....Henry said the case is still being called a "presumptive positive" because it has to be confirmed at the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg, and that she expected confirmation later today.
:tiphat:
​​​​​​https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/first-presumptive-avian-flu-case-in-humans-1.7381342
 
Canadian teen with suspected avian flu in critical condition
Lisa Schnirring
44 minutes ago.​

Excerpt:


In a media briefing streamed live on Canada's Global News, Bonnie Henry, MD, BC's health officer, shared the latest investigation findings, noting that the patient's symptoms began on November 2, and he or she was seen that day at a hospital emergency room. She said initial symptoms included conjunctivitis, fever, and cough.

After symptoms worsened, the patient was hospitalized at BC Children's Hospital on the evening of November 8. Henry said the patient, who doesn't have underlying health conditions, is experiencing acute respiratory distress and has received intravenous antiviral treatment. She added that the patient was tested for flu and other respiratory viruses as part of routine illness surveillance.

-snip-
o far, no other infections have been reported in the patient's contacts. Henry said about 36 people have been tested and that the patient had not been in school during the infectious period. Contacts have been offered oseltamivir (Tamiflu) for prophylactic (preventive) use.
-
-snip-

Though about 25 avian flu outbreaks have recently been reported in British Columbia poultry, the patient doesn’t have any connections to an affected farm or to poultry. He or she was exposed to family pets and pets in other homes, which included dogs, cats, and reptiles, Henry said.

One dog was sick, but tests were negative, she said, adding that investigations into potential animal sources are still under way.

Confirmation testing is still under way at the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg. Henry said scientists will be working to further characterize the virus, including determining the neuraminidase (the "N" portion of the virus name), the clade, and the genotype. Henry also added that wastewater monitoring in BC has been undertaken, though the method can't determine if the source is from an animal or a human.

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-in...n-teen-suspected-avian-flu-critical-condition
 
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) today confirmed a human case of avian influenza (also known as bird flu) caused by influenza A(H5N1) virus in Canada. This is the first domestically acquired human case of H5N1 avian influenza.

On Saturday, November 9, the Office of the Provincial Health Officer for British Columbia reported that a teenager in British Columbia was hospitalized and tested presumptive positive for H5 avian influenza. Today, the Public Health Agency of Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) in Winnipeg confirmed that the individual has avian influenza H5N1 and the genomic sequencing result indicates that the virus is related to the avian influenza H5N1 viruses from the ongoing outbreak in poultry in British Columbia (Influenza A (H5N1), clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype D.1.1).

British Columbia officials continue to undertake a thorough public health investigation and have taken important actions including contact tracing, testing and offering antiviral medication to contacts to prevent infection and to contain any potential virus spread. There have been no further cases identified at this time. The investigation has not yet determined how the individual became infected with avian influenza.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is working closely with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, provincial territorial, and local public health and animal health authorities, industry stakeholders and international partners on this response.

Human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) is rare and usually occurs after close contact with infected birds, other infected animals or highly contaminated environments. These investigations can be challenging and it is not always possible to identify the source of the infection. While there is an ongoing outbreak of avian influenza A(H5N1) in dairy cattle in the U.S., no cases of avian influenza have been reported in dairy cattle in Canada and there is no evidence of avian influenza in samples of milk in Canada. Milk and milk products that have been pasteurized are safe to consume. Furthermore, the clade of H5N1 avian influenza in dairy cattle in the U.S. is not the same as the clade confirmed in the domestically acquired human case in British Columbia.

Based on current evidence, the risk of avian influenza infection for the general public remains low at this time. The risk of avian influenza infection is higher for those who have unprotected exposure to infected animals.

PHAC, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and our partners are actively monitoring and collaborating on the domestic and global avian influenza situation. We will continue to assess the risk that avian influenza poses in Canada based on new, emerging evidence.

"Our thoughts are with this individual and their family, as well as the health workers who are engaged in their care at this difficult time. The Public Health Agency of Canada is working with our human and animal health partners to swiftly investigate and respond to this case", said Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada. "This detection was picked up via hospital -based influenza surveillance, confirming that human influenza surveillance in British Columbia and Canada is effective at detecting avian influenza A(H5). We must continue to remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent the spread of avian influenza between animals and to humans."

As a general precaution to prevent avian influenza infections, people should not handle live or dead wild birds or other wild animals, and should keep pets away from sick or dead animals. People who work with sick animals or in contaminated environments, such as farmers, should take precautions, including using personal protective measures to reduce the risk of getting or spreading avian influenza.

If you think you may have been exposed to avian influenza, contact your health care provider and/or local public health authority for assessment and advice. Based on the assessment by your local public health authority, you may be asked to self-monitor for signs and symptoms of avian influenza for 10 days after your last exposure.

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-hea...on-avian-influenza-and-risk-to-canadians.html
 
Lab confirms Canada’s first case of avian flu infection in humans in B.C.


Canada's Public Health Agency says the hospitalized teenager has the H5N1 avian flu, the same strain related to viruses found in B.C. flocks in an ongoing
The Canadian Press
Chuck Chiang
Published Nov 13, 2024 • Last updated 50 minutes ago​

The public health agency said it was notified by B.C. health authorities on Saturday that the teenager tested presumptive positive for the avian flu, and Tam said field epidemiologists are looking at potential sources for the teen’s exposure….



..The investigation “could take some time,” she said, because they haven’t been able to directly ask the teenager about where they might have become infected.



“We are unable to speak to the patient because the patient is quite sick,” Tam said. “And so, I think some of the information is necessarily second-hand from the family members.



“The good news is up to now, none of the close contacts like family members have tested positive.”…
:tiphat:

https://theprovince.com/news/bc-avian-bird-flu-human-infection-confirmed
 
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) today confirmed a human case of avian influenza (also known as bird flu) caused by influenza A(H5N1) virus in Canada. This is the first domestically acquired human case of H5N1 avian influenza.

On Saturday, November 9, the Office of the Provincial Health Officer for British Columbia reported that a teenager in British Columbia was hospitalized and tested presumptive positive for H5 avian influenza. Today, the Public Health Agency of Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) in Winnipeg confirmed that the individual has avian influenza H5N1 and the genomic sequencing result indicates that the virus is related to the avian influenza H5N1 viruses from the ongoing outbreak in poultry in British Columbia (Influenza A (H5N1), clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype D.1.1).
...
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-hea...on-avian-influenza-and-risk-to-canadians.html

Hat tip to Michael Coston

HPAI Detections in BC
...
Wildlife and Environmental Surveillance Weekly AIV Intelligence Update (Nov 13, 2024)
...
Note that all HPAI detections in wild birds are associated with the HPAI strain D1.1. This is the same strain is being detected in BC poultry and is a descendant of the A3 strain that was circulating in wild birds and poultry in the fall of 2023.
...

https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/8c6c84718e5748179102a0be2368029a


 
Bird flu: Canadian teenager is critically ill with new genotype

BMJ 2024; 387 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.q2529 (Published 14 November 2024)Cite this as: BMJ 2024;387:q2529​



A Canadian adolescent is in a critical condition in a British Columbia hospital after becoming infected with a new genotype of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

The patient, who has not been publicly identified, developed conjunctivitis on 2 November, followed by fever and coughing. While these symptoms have been common in people infected with H5N1 bird flu in North America—until now, all US cases—the teenager in Canada then developed acute respiratory distress syndrome and was admitted to intensive care on 8 November. The diagnosis of avian flu was confirmed, and the genotype identified, on 13 November.

“This was a healthy teenager prior to this, so no underlying conditions,” said British Columbia’s health officer, Bonnie Henry, at a news conference. “It just reminds us that in young people this is a virus that can progress and cause quite severe illness, and the deterioration was quite rapid.”

The patient has been treated with “multiple medications,” she said. The Public Health Agency of Canada has said that the virus is “related to the avian influenza H5N1 viruses from the ongoing outbreak in poultry in British Columbia (Influenza A (H5N1), clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype D1.1).”

The teenager is the first person to be infected with H5N1 avian flu in Canada and the first person in North America to develop severe symptoms …

View Full Text
:tiphat:
https://www.bmj.com/content/387/bmj.q2529
 
Avian flu detected in Fraser Health not at any Langley schools

Fraser Health sent a notice to superintendent after first human case

Kyler Emerson
26 minutes ago
...
In a mass notice to school districts in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Health confirmed the positive human case of avian flu is not in the Langley School District.

According to a letter ​sent to Langley superintendent Mal Gill, "there is no known exposure at any school" within Langley and that "there have been no further cases identified at this time."
...
https://www.langleyadvancetimes.com...ser-health-not-at-any-langley-schools-7646876
-------------------------------

From the PDF link above:


Office of the Chief Medical Health Officer
Suite 400, Central City Tower
Surrey, BC V3T 0H1
604-587-7896
November 12, 2024

Dear Superintendent,

Re: H5 Avian Influenza Communication

As the Office of the Provincial Health Officer and the Ministry of Health shared on Saturday, November 9,
a teenager from the Fraser Health region has tested presumptively positive for avian influenza caused by
the H5 influenza virus. This is the first occurrence of avian influenza due to the H5 virus acquired by a
person in B.C. and in Canada. Further testing is taking place to confirm the positive result by the National
Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg.

This is a rare event. There have been a small number of human cases in the U.S. and elsewhere. Public
Health is following up with contacts who may have been exposed to assess for symptoms and provide
guidance on testing and prevention measures. There have been no further cases identified at this time.
There is no known exposure at any school. 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 investigation
involves Public Health teams from Fraser Health, BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), the BCCDC
Public Health Laboratory, BC Children’s Hospital, the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, Office of the
Chief Veterinarian, Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and others.

Preventative measures

We can protect ourselves and our communities against avian influenza.
• Stay up to date on all immunizations, especially the seasonal flu vaccine.
• Petting zoo and farm visits can continue but direct physical contact with all birds (including all poultry,
ducks or any other waterfowl) should be avoided at this time.
• Do not touch sick or dead animals or their droppings and do not bring sick wild animals into your home.
• Keep pets away from sick or dead animals and their feces (poo).
• Report dead or sick birds or animals.
o For poultry or livestock, contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Animal Health
office: Contact a Canadian Food Inspection Agency office by telephone - inspection.canada.ca
o For pets, contact your veterinarian or call the BC Animal Health Centre: 1-800-661-9903
o For wild birds, contact the B.C. Wild Bird Mortality Line: 1-866-431-2473
o For wild mammals, contact the B.C. Wildlife Health Program: 1 (250) 751-7246.
About avian influenza

Avian influenza viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds and spread easily from bird to bird. While
it mostly affects birds, it can affect other animals too. In B.C., H5N1 has been detected in wild birds, on
poultry farms and among small wild mammals, including skunks and foxes. Influenza viruses are adaptable
and can change when strains from humans or different animal species mix and exchange genetic
information. Avian influenza could become more serious if the virus develops the ability to transmit from
person to person, with potential for human-to-human transmission.

If you have been exposed to sick or dead birds or animals where avian influenza has been detected, watch
for symptoms of influenza-like illness (see link below for more details). 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.

Learn More:
• BCCDC information on avian influenza: Avian Influenza (bccdc.ca)
• Avian influenza: How can I protect myself?: Avian flu: How can I protect myself? (bccdc.ca)
• HealthLinkBC information on avian influenza: Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) | HealthLink BC

Immunizations

Remember, all students should stay up to date with their immunizations:
• All routine school-aged immunizations are free in British Columbia.
• Families can check their immunization records at healthgateway.gov.bc.ca
• If a record is missing immunizations that were received, families can submit the record to Public
Health by visiting fraserhealth.ca/ImmunizationForm
• If more immunizations are needed, families can visit fraserhealth.ca/GetImmunized to learn how to
book an appointment.

Your continued support in keeping our children and communities healthy is much appreciated.

Thank you,

Ingrid Tyler, MD, CCFP, MHSc, MEd, FRCPC
Vice President, Population Health and Chief Medical Health Officer
Fraser Health Authority​

https://www.sd35.bc.ca/wp-content/u...y advance times: outbound&utm_medium=referral
 
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