NEW YORK (AP) — A Canadian teen is hospitalized in important situation with what’s believed to be fowl flu, a British Columbia well being official mentioned Tuesday.
It’s not clear how {the teenager} picked up the virus, which has been detected not too long ago in wild birds and poultry within the province, mentioned Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial well being officer. The teenager will not be identified to have any contact with contaminated animals, she mentioned.
Officers have launched few particulars concerning the affected person. Henry mentioned the teenager was wholesome earlier than growing signs greater than per week in the past — initially eye redness, cough and fever — and has been hospitalized with a respiratory sickness since Friday in Vancouver.
Preliminary testing indicated the an infection is from fowl flu. Officers consider it’s the Sort A H5N1 fowl flu however are awaiting affirmation. H5N1 has been spreading extensively within the U.S. amongst wild birds, poultry, cows and quite a few different animals. This yr, 46 folks within the U.S. — principally farmworkers — have examined constructive with principally delicate signs.
In Canada, testing has been finished on about three dozen individuals who have been involved with the teenager. None of them have proof of an infection, Henry mentioned.
Officers are attempting to determine how the teenager was contaminated, though Henry mentioned that will by no means be decided. In British Columbia, the virus has been detected in poultry, wild birds and a few small animals, principally when birds are migrating via the realm.
The Canadian case was within the Fraser Valley space in southern British Columbia.
The Related Press Health and Science Division receives help from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Instructional Media Group. The AP is solely accountable for all content material.
