A Canadian teenager is currently in critical condition in a Vancouver hospital with what is believed to be bird flu, according to British Columbia health officials. The provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, stated that the virus has been detected in wild birds and poultry in the region, although it remains unclear how the teen contracted the illness as there is no known contact with infected animals.
The teenager, who was previously in good health, began showing symptoms over a week ago, including redness in the eyes, cough, and fever. The individual has been hospitalized with a respiratory illness since last Friday.
Preliminary tests suggest that the infection is from bird flu, specifically Type A H5N1, although confirmation is pending. H5N1 has been reported in various animals in the U.S., with 46 cases identified this year, mostly among farmworkers exhibiting mild symptoms.
Health authorities have conducted testing on approximately thirty-six individuals who had been in contact with the affected teen, all of whom have shown no signs of infection so far.
Efforts are underway to determine the source of the infection, with a focus on the Fraser Valley area in southern British Columbia where the case was identified. The virus has been found in poultry, wild birds, and some small animals in the region, particularly during bird migration periods.
The situation is being closely monitored as health officials work to contain the spread of the virus and prevent further cases. Updates on the teen's condition and any new developments will be provided as more information becomes available.
