### BC Teen Critically Ill from Presumptive H5 Avian Flu Infection

A teenage patient from the Fraser Health region in British Columbia (BC) is in critical condition after a presumptive positive H5 avian flu infection, according to Dr. Bonnie Henry, the province's health officer. The announcement was made during a live-streamed media briefing on Canada's Global News.

Initial symptoms, including conjunctivitis, fever, and cough, began on November 2, leading to a visit to the hospital emergency room that day. When symptoms grew worse, the teen was hospitalized at BC Children's Hospital on the evening of November 8. Despite having no underlying health conditions, the patient has developed acute respiratory distress and is receiving intravenous antiviral treatment.

Approximately 36 individuals who have been in contact with the teen have been tested. None of them have reported infections so far, and preventive measures, including the administration of oseltamivir (Tamiflu), are being provided to close contacts. The patient had not attended school during the infectious period, reducing the risk of further spread.

Dr. Henry mentioned that thorough investigation efforts are ongoing to identify how the teen contracted the virus, though pinpointing the exact source might prove challenging. While the patient had no links to any affected poultry farms, there was exposure to family pets and pets from other households, including dogs, cats, and reptiles. One dog was ill; however, it tested negative for avian flu.

The National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg is conducting confirmation testing and further characterizing the virus to identify specific features such as the neuraminidase component, clade, and genotype. Additionally, wastewater monitoring is being carried out in BC to assess the presence of the virus, although it can't distinguish whether the source is animal or human.