Federal health officials have confirmed that a B.C. teen who is currently in hospital has Canada’s first human case of H5N1 avian flu.
Testing at the national microbiology labaratory in Winnipeg confirmed the case Wednesday, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
“This is the first domestically acquired human case of H5N1 avian influenza,” a statement from the agency said.
“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.”
An investigation is underway by B.C. heath officials, who have not been able to determine how the teen contracted the virus. Close contacts of the teen have been tested and provided with antiviral medication to prevent infection and prevent further spread.
“These investigations can be challenging and it is not always …