AVIAN INFLUENZA, HUMAN – VIET NAM (04): (TIEN GIANG) H9, FIRST REPORT,
ALERT
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Date: Sat 6 Apr 2024 10:54 ICT
Source: Tuoi Tre News [edited]
https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/society/20240406/vietnam-health-authorities-urge-measures-against-avian-influenza-ah9-virus-following-first-human-infection/79205.html
The General Department of Preventive Medicine under the Vietnamese
Ministry of Health on Saturday [6 Apr 2024] issued an urgent directive
urging enhanced measures for preventing and controlling avian
influenza transmission to humans following the first recorded case of
human infection with influenza A(H9) virus in the country.
Since 10 Mar 2024, a 37-year-old man residing in Chau Thanh District,
located in the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang, experienced fever
symptoms and self-medicated irregularly, according to the general
department.
On 16 Mar 2024, the patient sought treatment at the Hospital for
Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City, where he was diagnosed with
severe pneumonia suspected to be viral in origin. Initial tests at the
hospital revealed positivity for influenza A, with gene segments
resembling those of influenza A virus subtype H9.
Samples were sent to the Ho Chi Minh City Pasteur Institute for
confirmation testing. On 1 Apr 2024, the Pasteur Institute confirmed
influenza A subtype H9. Further tests are ongoing to determine the
subgroup. The patient is currently receiving treatment.
Epidemiological investigation revealed the patient’s residence is near
a poultry market, though there have been no reports of sick or dead
fowl in the area. Close contacts of the patient are being monitored,
with no respiratory infection symptoms detected among them nor any
clusters recorded in the community.
“This marks Viet Nam’s first case of influenza A(H9) in human,” stated
the General Department of Preventive Medicine. “Previously, in March
2024, a fatality from influenza A(H5N1) was reported in Khanh Hoa [a
province in south-central Viet Nam].
“Since 2015, the Western Pacific region has recorded 98 cases of
influenza A(H9N2) in humans, resulting in 2 deaths, both in patients
with underlying conditions. There is currently no evidence of
human-to-human transmission of influenza A(H9N2).”
The general department urged Tien Giang Province’s health department
and the Ho Chi Minh City’s Pasteur Institute to investigate the
infection source, manage clusters, enhance surveillance, and prepare
necessary resources.
Globally, avian influenza cases have risen since late 2023, posing
risks to both poultry and mammals. While avian influenza A(H9N2) is
considered a low-virulence strain and only causes mild symptoms in
poultry, humans may still contract it through contact with infected
birds.
With changing seasons and weather patterns facilitating pathogen
development, the Ministry of Health warns of ongoing risks of avian
influenza transmission to humans.