Canada Confirms First Human Case of H5 Bird Flu

Canada has reported its first presumptive case of H5 avian influenza in a teenager from British Columbia, likely contracted from a bird or animal. The teenager is currently being treated at a children's hospital, while health officials investigate the source of exposure and trace contacts. Health Minister Mark Holland emphasized that the risk to the public remains low, categorizing the incident as rare. H5 bird flu is widespread among wild birds and has caused outbreaks in U.S. poultry and dairy cows, with several human cases reported in the U.S. so far. There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission of the virus, but experts caution that such a development could lead to a pandemic. Public health officials are urging vigilance and preventive measures as they monitor the situation closely.