Overview

• The British Columbia teenager, hospitalized in November with severe H5N1 avian flu, has been declared non-infectious and is no longer on supplemental oxygen.
• Genetic analysis of the virus isolated from the teen revealed mutations that could enhance its ability to infect human cells and cause severe illness.
• This case marks Canada’s first human H5N1 infection, with no clear source of exposure identified despite extensive testing of the local environment and animals.
• Experts warn that the mutations, though not yet widespread, highlight the need for increased surveillance and precautions to prevent further adaptation of the virus to humans.
• Global health officials stress that while the risk of human-to-human transmission remains low, the virus's potential for future mutations could pose a significant public health threat.