WHO alert: 889 human cases of avian influenza in 23 countries including 463 deaths between 2023 and 1 April 2024

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Extract from the article: WHO warns of human infection with influenza A(H5N1), or avian influenza. One case of human infection with influenza virus A(H5N1) was reported on 25 March 2024 by the Viet Nam authorities. The patient, who had no underlying pathology, developed sympt

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WHO warns of human infection with influenza A(H5N1), or avian influenza. One case of human infection with influenza virus A(H5N1) was reported on 25 March 2024 by the Viet Nam authorities. The patient, who had no underlying pathology, developed symptoms on March 11 and died on March 23. It was determined that he had been exposed to birds during the third week of February.

Between 26 and 28 January 2024, two confirmed cases of human infection with the avian influenza A(H5N1) virus were reported in Cambodia. The health authorities of Texas (southern United States), announced the first case of transmission from cow to man. At the same time, it is announced in the USA, the discovery of high concentrations of H5N1 virus in the milk of cows contaminated with avian influenza in the United States.

Between 26 and 28 January 2024, two confirmed cases of human infection with the avian influenza A(H5N1) virus were reported in Cambodia. The health authorities of Texas (southern United States), announced the first case of transmission from cow to man. At the same time, it is announced in the USA, the discovery of high concentrations of H5N1 virus in the milk of cows contaminated with avian influenza in the United States.

Between early 2023 and April 1, 2024, WHO reported a total of 889 human cases of avian influenza in 23 countries, including 463 deaths, bringing the case fatality rate to 52%. Studies show that almost all cases of human infection with avian influenza virus A(H5N1) were sporadic and caused by close contact with infected birds, live or dead, or environments contaminated with the virus.

Rare but real human infection

According to the WHO, the animal influenza virus does not easily infect humans and human-to-human transmission seems unusual. Nevertheless, human infection can lead to severe forms of the disease, associated with high mortality. As this virus continues to circulate among poultry, particularly in several countries where the virus is endemic in poultry, other sporadic human cases can be expected.

Human-to-human contamination

According to the WHO, the A(H5N1) virus has not acquired the ability to spread sustainably from one person to another, resulting in a low probability of human-to-human spread. Based on the available information, WHO considers this virus to be of low risk to the general population. Risk will be reassessed as required.

Symptoms of infection in men are cough, muscle pain, runny nose and sore throat. A complication like pneumonia can be severe and life-threatening. In addition, A(H5N1) has already been detected in asymptomatic individuals who have been exposed to infected birds in the days prior to sampling.

Prevention

WHO recommends avoiding high-risk environments, such as markets/live livestock, and avoiding contact with live poultry or surfaces that may be contaminated with poultry or bird droppings. Hand washing should also be done with soap and water or using hydroalcoholic solutions. The general public and especially breeders must immediately report cases of sick or sudden death to the health authorities. Consumption of sick or dead poultry should be avoided. 

Care should be taken or avoided in high-risk environments, such as markets and farms, and contact with live poultry or surfaces likely to be contaminated with poultry or bird droppings should be avoided. In addition, it is recommended to have good hand hygiene by frequently washing hands or using hydroalcoholic solutions. 

The general public and those at risk should immediately report cases of sick or sudden death to the veterinary authorities. Consumption of sick or dead poultry should be avoided.

There are no specific vaccines to prevent influenza A(H5N1) in humans. Candidate vaccines to prevent human infection with influenza A(H5) viruses have, however, been developed as part of pandemic preparedness in some countries.

Togo was good at controlling avian influenza. As a reminder, from February 2006 to July 2008, new outbreaks of HPAI H5N1 appeared in Togo and 10 other African countries, threatening public health and severely affecting livelihoods and food security in the region. On 29 June 2021 at the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) announced the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5) in poultry on 1 June in 2 farms about 5 km apart as the crow flies in the maritime region of Togo.

 Gadiel TSONYADZI

Sources: WHO &  www.mesvaccins.net