Canadian woman who recently returned from a trip to China is the first human case of H7N9 bird flu in North America, said health officials on Monday.
The patient in her 50s began feeling sick two days after returning home in Canada's westernmost British Columbia province and sought care from a doctor.
Bird Flu
Bird flu (avian influenza/avian flu) is a disease caused by an influenza virus (H5N1) that primarily affects birds but can infect humans also.
Advertisement
Tests confirmed that she had contracted the H7N9 virus.
"Today we are confirming the first case of H7N9 in humans in North America," Health Minister Rona Ambrose said.
Public health officials said the patient is recovering in self-isolation at home.
![A Bird]( "A Bird")
It might not be the plague yet, but the bird or avian flu scare has acquired this nasty habit of sending a shiver down the spine.
All of her close contacts, meanwhile, have been identified and their health is being monitored by public health authorities, according to a statement.
China has recorded 281 deaths and 470 cases since an outbreak started in March 2013 and the virus accelerated last year.
The virus ignited fears that it could mutate to become easily transmissible between people, threatening a global pandemic.
But Chinese officials and the World Health Organization have said there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission, despite occasional instances of apparent infection between family members.
Source: AFP
Public health officials said the patient is recovering in self-isolation at home.
A Bird's Eye View of The Bird Flu Scare
It might not be the plague yet, but the bird or avian flu scare has acquired this nasty habit of sending a shiver down the spine.
Advertisement
All of her close contacts, meanwhile, have been identified and their health is being monitored by public health authorities, according to a statement.
China has recorded 281 deaths and 470 cases since an outbreak started in March 2013 and the virus accelerated last year.
The virus ignited fears that it could mutate to become easily transmissible between people, threatening a global pandemic.
But Chinese officials and the World Health Organization have said there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission, despite occasional instances of apparent infection between family members.
Source: AFP
A New Variant of Bird Flu Virus Causes Serious Infection
A newly detected variant of bird flu virus has been associated with serious lung infection, ultimately resulting in death.
Advertisement
 Quiz on FluInfluenza (or rather, the flu) is a cold weather infectious condition that affects the young and old alike. Though most reported cases are mild, the flu can sometimes cause severe and life-threatening complications in both children and adults, thanks to wrong medications and improper vaccinations. Learn more about the disease from our Flu Quiz and guard yourself and your family from a poss | Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Reading
Latest Bird Flu News
In environments where avian influenza virus may be present, the WHO advises regular hand washing and good food safety and food hygiene practices.
Bird flu in Israel: Nearly 7,300 infected turkeys were detected in the village of Hatzor, while another 9,500 in the village of Ein Tzurim.
In the US, four red baby foxes died due to the devastating bird flu H5N1 detected in wild mammals. Highly pathogenic avian influenza is highly contagious.
The first known human case of H5 bird flu in a person has been reported in Colorado, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced.
In India, bird flu has resurfaced with cases from Maharashtra's Thane and Palghar regions. An expert said bird flu is unlikely to spread majorly in the country.