Avian Influenza Cases Confirmed in China

The Government of Hong Kong SAR Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health confirmed a human case of avian influenza A(H5N6) in Chengdu, the capital of southwestern China's Sichuan province.

This new case involved a 49-year-old woman living in Chengdu. She developed symptoms on May 13, 2021, and was admitted for treatment on May 16th. The patient is now in serious condition, stated the press statement issued on June 8, 2021.

 "All novel influenza A infections, including H5N6, are notifiable infectious diseases in Hong Kong," a spokesman for the CHP wrote.

Furthermore, ' Travellers to the Mainland or other affected areas must avoid visiting wet markets, live poultry markets or farms. They should be alert to the presence of backyard poultry when visiting relatives and friends. They should also avoid purchasing live or freshly slaughtered poultry, and avoid touching poultry/birds or their droppings.'

And, 'They should strictly observe personal and hand hygiene when visiting any place with live poultry.'

Since 2014, there have been 31 human cases of avian influenza A(H5N6) reported by the Mainland health authorities.

As of May 27, 2021, a total of 239 cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus have been reported from countries within the WHO's Western Pacific Region since January 2003. Of these cases, 134 were fatal, resulting in a case fatality rate of 56%. 

Zoonotic influenza occurs when humans are infected with influenza viruses circulating in animals, such as birds or pigs. Human infections are primarily acquired through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. This type of infection does not result in the efficient transmission of these viruses between humans.