For the first time, a suspected case of human infection with the H5 avian flu virus has been recorded in Canada, according to a statement posted on the British Columbia government website.
“A person in British Columbia tested positive for avian influenza caused by the H5 influenza virus. This is the first time that avian influenza caused by the H5 virus has been detected in British Columbia. “This is also the first detection of a suspected human case of H5 avian influenza in Canada.” – the Canadian province said in a statement.
It is observed that the patient is a teenager and is receiving the necessary treatment. The source of infection and the people with whom the patient came into contact are still being clarified.
Avian influenza is an acute infectious viral disease of birds, characterized by damage to the digestive and respiratory organs, as well as high mortality. According to the set of indicators, the disease is considered especially dangerous and capable of causing great economic damage. Migratory birds, most often wild ducks, which, unlike domestic ones, are quite resistant to the virus, have become natural carriers of the avian influenza virus. The disease can be transmitted to humans, RIA Novosti reminds.