Canadian Teen Critical With H5N1 Bird Flu

A teenager in British Columbia has been hospitalized in critical condition with Canada's first presumptive case of H5N1 bird flu, exhibiting rapid deterioration from initial symptoms of conjunctivitis, fever, and cough. The case, which lacks a clear source of infection as the teen had no known exposure to infected animals, has prompted extensive contact tracing, with no additional infections found among approximately 36 tested individuals. Health officials, including Dr. Bonnie Henry, emphasize that the risk to the public remains low, although this case highlights the virus's potential severity, particularly in healthy young individuals. The teen's condition progressed to acute respiratory distress syndrome, necessitating advanced medical treatment. The H5N1 strain is currently circulating among poultry and wild birds in Canada and the U.S., where it has infected over 40 individuals this year, primarily farm workers with mild symptoms. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the infection and ensure public safety.