A teenage boy in Canada has contracted the H5N1 bird flu. Today he is being treated in hospital and his condition is described as critical. What puzzles the experts is that so far no links to sick animals have been found. In Canada, H5N1 has spread to more than 20 poultry farmers, and in the United States several outbreaks are ongoing – where upwards of 50 people have been infected. Some experts are now expressing concern that the virus will mutate and begin to spread uncontrollably between people. How serious is this virus? What do we know about the sick teenager? And how big is the risk that we are facing a new pandemic?
Guest: Magnus Gisslén, state epidemiologist at the Public Health Agency and professor of infectious diseases at Sahlgrenska Academy.
Program manager and producer: Olivia Bengtsson.
Clips in the episode: CTV News Toronto, Global News, City News, WDIV Local 4.
Contact: [email protected]
FRIDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2024