ALBAWABA - The Canadian authorities reported on Saturday the first case of H5 bird flu.
According to Canadian media, a teenager in British Columbia was hospitalized and tested positive for the virus, the provincial health department said.
It added that the teenager is receiving medical care in a children's hospital. The person has likely caught the H5 bird flu from a bird or animal
The authorities in the country are searching and probing the source of contagion and if the teen has contacted any other person, AFP reported.
British Columbia Health Officer Bonnie Henry revealed that this case is very "rare". He added: "We are conducting a thorough investigation to fully understand the source of exposure here in B.C."
What is H5 bird flu?
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), H5 bird flu is very common among wild birds. CDC also added that the virus is causing outbreaks in poultry and US dairy cows with several recent human cases in US dairy and poultry workers.
Human infections with avian flu viruses occur mostly in people who are in close contact with infected poultry or wild birds. However, the spread of avian flu virus from one infected person to another is rare.
Symptoms of H5 bird flu:
1. Cough
2. Headache
3. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
4. Sore throat
5. Fever or Chills
6. Fatigue
7. Congestion or runny nose
8. Muscle or body aches
