First Human Case Of Bird Flu Reported In Canada
A teenager has tested positive for bird flu in British Columbia. This is the first confirmed case of bird flu in Canada. Authorities have said that the individual is currently receiving treatment at a children’s hospital in British Columbia, where specialists are closely monitoring their condition, according to a report in TOI.
The health department in the province has also launched an investigation to find the source of the infection and identify any potential contacts. British Columbia Health Officer Dr Bonnie Henry has stressed on the unusual nature of the case and health officials suspect that the transmission could have originated from an animal.
Dr Henry in a statement said, “This is a rare event. We are conducting a thorough investigation to fully understand the source of exposure here in BC.”
Bird flu, also known as avian flu is usually seen in wild birds and poultry, however, there have been recent cases of infections in humans. These cases have majorly been reported in the United States. Most of these cases have been due to exposure to cattle and poultry. However, in one case, officials in the United States reported an avian flu infection wherein a person from Missouri, had no direct exposure to infected animals.
According to the TOI report, in British Columbia, authorities have detected the virus in at least 22 poultry operations since October, with multiple wild birds also testing positive, as per provincial data.
Signs and Symptoms Of Bird Flu
Here, take a look at some of the early signs and symptoms of the infection.
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Fever: High temperature is often the first sign, typically above 38°C (100.4°F).
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Cough: Initially, a dry cough that can become more severe over time.
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Sore throat: Discomfort or pain in the throat area, making swallowing difficult.
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Muscle aches: Body aches and pains.
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Headache: This can range from mild to severe.
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Respiratory symptoms: Early stages may present mild respiratory issues that can rapidly progress.
Here, take a look at some of the signs and symptoms of the infection when it reaches the advanced stages.
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Pneumonia: This is indicated by difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or wheezing.
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Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): A severe form of respiratory failure.
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Diarrhoea: Unlike usual influenza, H5N1 can cause gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Vomiting: This can occur in conjunction with other gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Bleeding from the nose and gums: This usually happens in severe cases.
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Neurological changes: Rarely, encephalitis (brain inflammation) can happen which eventually leads to seizures or altered mental states.
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