Bird flu cases in Canada: A healthy 13-year-old girl suddenly falls seriously ill, fighting the battle of her life against a virus most of us barely think about – bird flu. That’s exactly what happened in Canada recently and it’s causing serious concern among health experts.

The teen, who suffers from asthma and obesity, began experiencing severe symptoms in November. Her condition rapidly progressed to multiorgan failure, requiring advanced life support, including ECMO (a machine that supports heart and lung function) and continuous dialysis. After intensive treatment with three antiviral drugs, she recovered. But doctors still don’t know how she became infected with the bird flu virus H5N1.

“She was critically ill and without access to extraordinary treatment options, she likely would not have survived,” Dr. Megan Rainey, dean of the Yale School of Public Health, said in a media briefing.

Why are experts worried?

The teen’s case, published in the New England Journal of Medicine on December 31, 2024, reflects a troubling development: New variants of H5N1, such as D1.1, appear to be adapting to humans. These genetic changes may increase the risk of human-to-human transmission, which experts have long feared.

“This case is a warning,” said Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo of Brown University’s epidemiologic center. “The potential for these variants to spread more widely among people is a serious concern.”

symptoms to look for

Symptoms of Bird Flu Can range from mild to severe. Here are some key signs to look for:

– Fever: often the first sign of infection.

– Eye redness or conjunctivitis: Reported in almost all cases among farm workers.

– Respiratory symptoms: cough, difficulty breathing or chest pain.

– Fatigue and body aches: Common flu-like symptoms.

– Gastrointestinal problems: diarrhea or stomach pain in some cases.

If you or someone you know has been around infected animals or in an environment with potential exposure, these symptoms should prompt immediate medical attention.

Increasing cases in America

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring H5N1 infections. So far this year, there have been 66 human cases confirmed in the US, most of which were linked to contact with infected animals or raw milk, with symptoms such as conjunctivitis and fever lasting about four days.

However, some cases are much more serious, such as one in Canada and another recently reported in Louisiana.

Here’s what the CDC found:

– 93 percent of farmworker infections included eye redness or conjunctivitis.

– Nearly half of the cases involved fever, with respiratory symptoms seen in 36 percent.

– The average illness lasted about four days.

– Evidence of exposure to H5N1 was found in 7 percent of dairy farm workers tested.

What will happen next?

Experts have warned that although human cases are still rare, the persistence of the virus in both humans and animals is troubling. “The real danger comes when the virus gets better at spreading between people,” said Dr. Gene Marrazzo, an infectious disease expert.

For now, vigilance is important. If you work with animals or live in an area where bird flu has been found, take precautions like wearing protective gear and avoiding direct contact with sick birds. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, don’t hesitate to seek medical care.

“This virus never misses an opportunity,” Dr. Marrazzo concluded.

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