First Deadly Case of Avian Flu in North America RT.com
go to original January 12, 2014

Alberta has recorded 10 deaths from the H1N1 influenza during the current flu season. (AFP/Tengku Bahar)

Canadian health officials confirmed the first deadly case of H5N1 avian flu in North America, following the death of a person in western Canada after a trip to China in December.

Health Minister Rona Ambrose revealed that the individual was a resident of Alberta who had travelled to Beijing, China. During the press-conference the minister added that the case is “isolated” and the risk to the general population remains low. “This case is not part of the seasonal flu,” she said.

“Avian influenza is not easily transmitted from person to person. It is not the same virus that is currently present in seasonal influenza in Alberta,” said Dr. James Talbot, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Officials will be contacting everyone who was aboard the same flights with the now deceased individual, but believe that no one is at risk.

Read the rest at RT.com

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