The BC Center for Disease Control is asking clinicians to be aware of the unlikely possibility of highly pathogenic avian influenza spreading to humans after a recent increase in outbreaks on commercial farms in the Fraser Valley.
According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, there have been 48 sites in the region with infections related to the H5N1 subtype of the virus since November 16.
A notice of communicable diseases of December 2 of the BCCDC warns of “serious disease” between wild and domesticated birds.
“While the HPAI [highly pathogenic avian influenza] does not normally infect humans, the increase in detection among birds over the past two weeks increases the potential for exposure and transmission to humans who, if infected, may experience symptoms of varying severity,” the advisory reads.
“Exposure to novel influenza viruses is of concern due to the potential for human adaptation and the associated pandemic risk. Such risk can be considered a ‘low probability, high impact’ event.”
So far, four human cases of the virus have been detected in North America and Europe, including one in the US, one in the UK and two in Spain.
The BCCDC says that the possibility of avian influenza should be considered in patients who have had close contact with infected animals. Symptoms are similar to other cases of the flu and can include cough, sore throat, fever, runny nose, fatigue, muscle aches, stiff joints, headache, conjunctivitis, shortness of breath, and seizures.
British Columbians are advised to avoid unnecessary contact with domestic and wild birds, ensure eggs and poultry dishes are well-cooked, stay away from surfaces contaminated with bird droppings, boil water treated from areas where wild birds congregate and get an annual flu shot. .
Theresa Burns, BC’s chief veterinarian, said this fall’s outbreak is linked to migratory waterfowl such as geese and ducks moving from north to south through the province.
“This is the largest outbreak that we have seen in British Columbia, and certainly the largest outbreak that we have seen globally as well,” he told CBC.
He added that this year’s strain is much more infectious than is normally seen and causes more serious illness in poultry.
