On Nov. 9, 2024, the BC Centre for Disease Control’s Public-Health Laboratory reported that an an individual in British Columbia has tested presumptive positive for avian influenza (also known as bird flu) caused by the H5 influenza virus. This was the first detection of avian influenza due to the H5 virus in a person in B.C.

Samples were sent to the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg for confirmatory testing. The individual was a teenager from the Fraser Health region who received care at BC Children’s Hospital. A public-health investigation was initiated to determine the source of exposure and identify any contacts.

Public health was following up with contacts who may have been exposed in order to assess for symptoms and provide guidance on testing and prevention measures. There were no further cases identified.