Statement from the Public Health Agency of Canada: Update on avian influenza and the risks to Canadians

Statement

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) today confirmed a human case of avian influenza, caused by the influenza A(H5N1) virus, in Canada.

November 13, 2024 | Ottawa, ON | Public Health Agency of Canada

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) today confirmed a human case of avian influenza, caused by the influenza A(H5N1) virus, in Canada. This is the first human case of H5N1 avian flu.

On Saturday, November 9, British Columbia’s provincial health officer’s office reported the hospitalization of a teenager in the province who tested presumptively positive for H5 avian influenza. The Public Health Agency of Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) in Winnipeg today confirmed that the person has H5N1 avian influenza and genomic sequencing indicates that the virus is similar to influenza viruses. avian H5N1 from the ongoing poultry outbreak in British Columbia (influenza A [H5N1]clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype D.1.1).

British Columbia authorities continue their extensive public health investigation and are implementing rigorous measures, including contact tracing, testing and administering antiviral medications to contacts to prevent infection and stem the potential spread of the virus. No other cases have been identified to date. The investigation has not yet revealed how the person became infected with bird flu.

The Public Health Agency of Canada works closely with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, provincial, territorial and local public health and animal health authorities, industry stakeholders and partners international organizations as part of this intervention.

Human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) is rare and usually occurs after close contact with infected birds or other animals or with heavily contaminated environments. These investigations can be difficult and it is not always possible to identify the source of the infection. Despite an outbreak of avian influenza A(H5N1) in dairy cows in the United States, no cases of avian influenza have been reported in dairy cows in Canada and there is no evidence of avian influenza in samples of milk in Canada. Consumption of pasteurized milk and dairy products is safe. Additionally, the clade of H5N1 avian influenza in dairy cows in the United States is not the same as the clade confirmed in the locally-occurring human case in British Columbia.

According to current data, the risk of infection with avian flu for the general public is still low. The risk of infection with avian flu is higher for people who have had unprotected exposure to infected animals.

PHAC, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and our partners are collaborating and closely monitoring the national and global avian influenza situation. We will continue to assess the risk of avian influenza in Canada based on new emerging data.

“Our hearts go out to this individual and his family, as well as the health care workers who are providing him with care during this difficult time. The Public Health Agency of Canada is working with its human and animal health partners to quickly investigate and respond to this case,” said Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada. “This case was detected by hospital influenza surveillance. This demonstrates that human influenza surveillance in British Columbia and Canada is effective in detecting avian influenza A(H5). We must remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent the spread of avian influenza between animals and among humans. »

As a precaution to prevent avian influenza infections, it is recommended not to handle wild birds or other wild animals, live or dead, and to keep domestic animals away from sick or dead animals. . Anyone who works with sick animals or in a contaminated environment, such as farmers, should take precautions, including the use of personal protective measures, to minimize the risk of contracting or spreading avian flu.

If you suspect you have been exposed to avian flu, contact your healthcare professional or local public health authority for assessment and advice. Based on the assessment by local health authorities, you may be asked to monitor for any signs or symptoms of avian flu for ten days following your last exposure.

For more information on avian flu, who is at risk, symptoms and prevention measures, please click here.