The Epinhood (TEH)

AVIAN INFLUENZA, HUMAN (19): CHINA (GUANGXI ZHUANG) H5N6, POULTRY
EXPOSURE, REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org

Date: Mon 24 Jul 2023
Source: Outbreak News Today [edited] https://outbreaknewstoday.com/china-h5n6-avian-influenza-case-reported-in-guangxi-province-87435/

Hong Kong health officials report today [24 Jul 2023] the monitoring
of a human case of avian influenza A(H5N6) in the Mainland.

The case involves a 64-year-old male living in Guilin, Guangxi, who
had raised domestic poultry before the onset of symptoms. He developed
symptoms on 3 Jul [2023] and was admitted for treatment on the
following day [4 Jul 2023]. He is in serious condition.

This is the 85th human case reported since 2012 and the 60th case in
the past 3 years.

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.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) recommends the public should
maintain strict personal, hand, food, and environmental hygiene and
take heed the advice below when handling poultry:
– Avoid touching poultry, birds, animals, or their droppings;
– When buying live chickens, do not touch them and their droppings. Do
not blow at their bottoms;
– Wash eggs with detergent if soiled with faecal matter, and cook and
consume the eggs immediately;
– Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling
chickens and eggs;
– Eggs should be cooked well until the white and yolk become firm;
– Do not eat raw eggs or dip cooked food into any sauce with raw
eggs;
– Poultry should be cooked thoroughly. If there is pinkish juice
running from the cooked poultry or the middle part of its bone is
still red, the poultry should be cooked again until fully done;
– Wash hands frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose,
or eyes; before handling food or eating; and after going to the toilet
or touching public installations or equipment such as escalator
handrails, elevator control panels, or doorknobs; or when hands are
dirtied by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing; and
– Wear a mask if fever or respiratory symptoms develop, when going to
a hospital or clinic, or while taking care of patients with fever or
respiratory symptoms.