Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Rapid Diagnosis of Avian Influenza Virus in Wild Birds: Use of a Portable rRT-PCR and Freeze-dried Reagents in the Field
08:46

Rapid Diagnosis of Avian Influenza Virus in Wild Birds: Use of a Portable rRT-PCR and Freeze-dried Reagents in the Field

Published on: August 2, 2011

Investigation of avian influenza (H5N1) outbreak in humans--Thailand, 2004

Darin Areechokchai1, C Jiraphongsa, Y Laosiritaworn

  • 1Bureau of Epidemiology, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand. doggyrin@health3.moph.go.th

MMWR Supplements
|April 29, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The 2004 H5N1 avian influenza outbreak in Thailand was severe, especially in children. Direct contact with dead poultry was a major risk factor, leading to high mortality rates.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • A significant outbreak of influenza A (H5N1) virus occurred in poultry in Thailand starting in late 2003.
  • The first human case of H5N1 infection was confirmed on January 23, 2004.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the clinical manifestations and epidemiological characteristics of human H5N1 cases.
  • To identify risk factors associated with H5N1 infection.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive study and a matched case-control study were conducted.
  • Data were collected from February to November 2004.

Main Results:

  • Fever and respiratory symptoms were predominant in the 16 confirmed H5N1 cases.
  • Direct contact with dead poultry was a significant risk factor (OR=29.0).
  • Overall mortality was 75%, with 90% mortality in children under 15.

Conclusions:

  • Avian influenza (H5N1) was more severe in children.
  • Children should avoid handling dead poultry during outbreaks.
  • Early H5N1 in children can mimic dengue fever but is distinguished by cough and rapid progression to acute respiratory distress syndrome.

More Related Videos

Avian Influenza Surveillance with FTA Cards: Field Methods, Biosafety, and Transportation Issues Solved12:09

Avian Influenza Surveillance with FTA Cards: Field Methods, Biosafety, and Transportation Issues Solved

Published on: August 2, 2011

Preparation of Pseudo-Typed H5 Avian Influenza Viruses with Calcium Phosphate Transfection Method and Measurement of Antibody Neutralizing Activity07:15

Preparation of Pseudo-Typed H5 Avian Influenza Viruses with Calcium Phosphate Transfection Method and Measurement of Antibody Neutralizing Activity

Published on: November 22, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Viral Recombination00:57

Viral Recombination

Cells are sometimes infected by more than one virus at once. When two viruses disassemble to expose their genomes for replication in the same cell, similar regions of their genomes can pair together and exchange sequences in a process called recombination. Alternatively, viruses with segmented genomes can swap segments in a process called reassortment.
Viral Mutations00:36

Viral Mutations

A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases of DNA or RNA in a genome. Some mutations occur during replication of the genome due to errors made by the polymerase enzymes that replicate DNA or RNA. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase is prone to errors because it is not capable of “proofreading” its work. Viruses with RNA-based genomes, like HIV, therefore accrue mutations faster than viruses with DNA-based genomes. Because mutation and recombination provide the raw material for adaptive...
Steps in Outbreak Investigation01:18

Steps in Outbreak Investigation

In the ever-evolving field of public health, statistical analysis serves as a cornerstone for understanding and managing disease outbreaks. By leveraging various statistical tools, health professionals can predict potential outbreaks, analyze ongoing situations, and devise effective responses to mitigate impact. For that to happen, there are a few possible stages of the analysis:
Investigation of Disease Outbreaks01:23

Investigation of Disease Outbreaks

Multistate foodborne outbreaks pose significant public health risks and require meticulous investigation to identify sources and implement control measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) utilizes a dynamic seven-step process for these investigations, integrating data from laboratories, interviews, and environmental assessments to protect public health.Outbreak Detection: The detection of multistate outbreaks typically begins with PulseNet, the CDC's national laboratory...
Influenza01:27

Influenza

Influenza is an acute, highly communicable viral disease that affects the respiratory tract and is responsible for seasonal epidemics worldwide. Influenza A is the most prevalent type associated with widespread outbreaks and is subtyped based on two surface glycoproteins: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N), as in H1N1. These glycoproteins are essential for viral infectivity, transmission, and immune recognition. Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets and contaminated...