A B.C. teenager remains in hospital with avian flu, according to British Columbia’s top doctor.
On Tuesday, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the teen is suffering from severe respiratory distress. On Wednesday, the Public Health Agency of Canada confirmed it as avian flu — the first case of its kind in Canada.
Avian flu typically spreads between wild and domestic birds but can spread to other animals and people. There have now been more than 40 confirmed human cases in the United States, according to the Centre for Disease Control, most of which have been found in California.
Humans have, thus far, contracted avian flu from animals.
But if the virus begins to spread from person to person, Dr. Peter Lin says it could become a “pandemic-level” virus.
“If it starts to spread quickly, we have to act quickly,” he told Stephen Quinn, the host of CBC’s The Early Edition.
The Early Edition8:44Dr Peter Lin — How to protect yourself from the Avian Flu
Our house doctor, Peter Lin, looks at the risk of avian flu in Canada and the best way to protect yourself.
What is avian flu?
This particular strain of avian influenza, also known as H5N1, typically impacts birds. H5N1 is highly pathogenic, according to the province, meaning it can cause severe illness and death in birds.
What are the symptoms in birds?
The province said birds’ behaviour changes when they’ve contracted avian flu. They tend to become quiet and depressed. They also experience diarrhea and swelling of the skin under their eyes, and their wattles and combs become swollen.
Birds with avian flu often produce fewer eggs, and the ones they do produce often have soft shells or no shells.
Can other animals catch it?
Yes. The virus has been found in cats, dogs, cattle, goats, pigs, foxes, raccoons and skunks.
How likely am I to contract avian flu?
Avian flu infections in humans are rare. According to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, the virus does not spread from person to person easily.
Human cases are typically found in people who have close contact with animals that have avian flu, including people working on farms.
What symptoms of avian flu show up in humans?
Health Canada says symptoms of avian flu in people include red eyes with discharge, cough, fever, sore throat, diarrhea, bleeding gums, muscle and headaches and in some cases, severe respiratory illness. Others show no symptoms.
What do I do if I think I have avian flu?
If you have the symptoms associated with bird flu and have been exposed to sick birds or animals, Health Canada says you need to contact a health-care provider or your local public health authority right away.
Anyone showing severe symptoms, like respiratory distress or neurological changes, should call 911.
How can I help reduce the spread of avian flu?
Do not touch a sick or dead animal or their droppings, the BCCDC says.
Anyone who does contract avian flu should stay home and stay away from others until their symptoms have been cleared up for 24 hours.
If you suspect birds you own have been infected with avian flu, the province asks that you call your veterinarian, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the B.C. Animal Health Centre.
Health Canada advises that pet owners don’t allow their cats or dogs to play with dead wild birds. The agency also says they shouldn’t eat raw meat from poultry and wild or game birds.
Guidelines for those hunting wild birds have been set out to ensure safe handling of game, including working in a well-ventilated area, wearing rubber gloves, and washing hands.