H5N6 avian influenza death recorded in Sichuan Province, China
Hong Kong health authorities are reporting the death of a 33-year-old female from Bazhong City, Sichuan Province in southwestern China due to avian influenza A(H5N6).
Officials say she visited a live poultry market before the onset of symptoms in late October. She was admitted for treatment on October 22 and passed away on November 14.
Officially, 88 human cases of avian influenza A(H5N6) have been reported by Chinese officials since 2014.
Avian influenza is caused by those influenza viruses that mainly affect birds and poultry, such as chickens or ducks. Clinical presentation of avian influenza in humans may range from flu-like symptoms (e.g. fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches) to severe respiratory illness (e.g. chest infection). Eye infection (conjunctivitis) and gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) have also been reported. The incubation period ranges from 7 to 10 days. The more virulent forms can result in respiratory failure, multi-organ failure and even death.
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People mainly become infected with avian influenza virus through contact with infected birds and poultry (live or dead) or their droppings, or contact with contaminated environments (such as wet markets and live poultry markets). Human-to-human transmission is inefficient. People in close contact with poultry are more susceptible to contracting avian influenza. The elderly, children and people with chronic illness have a higher risk of developing complications such as bronchitis and chest infection.
