As an investigation continues into how a B.C. teenager became infected with avian flu, there are ways British Columbians can protect themselves.
The teen, who lives in the Fraser Health Region, has made some progress but remains in critical condition with H5N1 bird flu. This is the first case of H5N1 avian flu in Canada.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced on Tuesday that an investigation failed to identify how the teen caught the disease.
"Though we have not been able to determine definitively the source of exposure, we were able to rule out many potential risks and ensure there are no further cases related to this young person,” said Henry.
The investigation revealed that the teen caught the same strain currently circulating in wild birds and poultry in B.C.
"The young person who is infected is still in critical care so we are not able to talk to them directly about where the exposure might have happened," said Henry.
How to protect yourself
To protect yourself against avian influenza, the Ministry of Health is suggesting people stay up to date on all immunizations, especially the seasonal flu vaccine.
People are also advised not to touch sick or dead animals or their droppings, solid or semi-solid waste, and do not bring sick wild animals into homes.
Pets should be kept away from sick or dead animals and their feces.
Henry is also asking that pets be kept away from birds and from ponds. She explained how ponds have ducks and geese in them right now. The virus may be present in the water and can last for some time because of the droppings and feces from the birds.
She's also advising people to not handle birds at petting zoos during these high-risk periods.
People who work on a farm where avian influenza has been detected should watch for influenza-like symptoms. If a person has been exposed to a sick or dead animal or bird, they should also watch for symptoms.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, it usually takes one to five days, or longer, for symptoms to appear after exposure.
Avian flu symptoms to watch for
Symptoms start with a cough, shortness of breath, fever, aching muscles, and headache. Other symptoms can include diarrhea, a runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, conjunctivitis and bleeding gums.
In rare cases, the infection can cause severe respiratory illness which includes difficulty breathing, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and neurological changes.
The public health agency says severe cases can lead to multi-organ failure.
If you develop symptoms within 10 days after being exposed to a sick or dead animal, you should tell your health-care provider and mention that you are concerned about avian influenza. This will allow them to give testing and treatment.
Testing is usually done by taking a swab from the nose or throat during the first few days of illness.
The Public Health Agency of Canada advises that 911 is called if you have severe symptoms.
