12 December 2005

 Avian influenza H5N1 - Human cases in China

A further two cases of H5N1 Avian influenza have been confirmed in China, a 10 year old girl on Wednesday 7 December [1] and a 31 year old woman on Thursday 9 December [2, 3].  This brings the total number of cases in China to five, two of which have been fatal.  

 

The 10 year old girl, from the southern province of Guangxi, became ill on 23 November with fever and cough and subsequently developed pneumonia [1]. She is currently receiving treatment in hospital.  Health authorities in Guangxi have launched an investigation to determine the source of the exposure and search for any further cases in the village or surrounding area.  To date none have been found.

 

The woman is a farmer in Heishan county, Liaoning Province who fell ill in late October following contact with dead birds [2, 3].  She was treated for pneumonia-like symptoms and has recovered. Initial samples tested by China’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention were negative. However, a more recent sample on 5 December confirmed that she was positive for H5N1 avian influenza virus.  Family and friends who had contact with the woman are under medical surveillance, but to date none of them have reported illness.

 

Recommendations for travellers

Current recommendations for travellers have been recently posted by NaTHNaC: Avian influenza - Advice for travellers to affected areas.

 

References

1. World Health Organization. Avian Influenza - situation in China - update 46. 7 December 2005. Available at: http://www.who.int/entity/csr/don/2005_12_07a/en/index.html

2. World Health Organization - situation in China - update 47. 9 December 2005. Available at: http://www.who.int/entity/csr/don/2005_12_09/en/index.html

3. ProMED-mail. Avian influenza, human - East Asia (195): China. ProMED-mail. 8 December. 20051208.3538. Available at: http://www.promedmail.org/pls/askus/f?p=2400:1001: 590581260546477510::NO::F2400_P1001_BACK_PAGE, F2400_P1001_PUB_MAIL_ID:1000,31302

Links

Guidelines on the management of travellers returning from avian influenza-infected regions with a febrile illness are available from the Health Protection Agency at: http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&Page&HPA

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Up-to-date information on incidence of avian influenza in birds is available from the World Organisation for Animal Health at http://www.oie.int/eng/en_index.htm

 

A summary statement from NaTHNaC on cases on avian influenza in poultry and wildfowl can be found at: http://www.NaTHNaC.org/pro/clinical_updates/

avianinfluenza_271005.htm