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Avian influenza A (H5N1) infection in a child

Prasonk Witayathawornwong1

  • 1Pediatric Department, Petchabun Hospital, Petchabun, Thailand. prasonkw@thaimail.com

The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health
|November 24, 2006
PubMed

Insights

A previously healthy child contracted avian influenza A (H5N1) from poultry, developing severe respiratory distress and succumbing to the infection despite intensive care. This case highlights the critical threat of H5N1 avian flu in humans.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Avian influenza A (H5N1) poses a significant zoonotic threat.
  • Human infections are rare but associated with high mortality.
  • Poultry contact is a primary risk factor for human H5N1 transmission.

Observation:

  • A 9-year-old girl presented with a 3-week history of respiratory symptoms, escalating to severe insufficiency.
  • She had recent close contact with infected domestic poultry.
  • The patient developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and diarrhea, requiring mechanical ventilation.

Findings:

  • Throat swab RT-PCR and viral culture confirmed avian influenza A (H5N1) infection.
  • Despite supportive care, including mechanical ventilation, the patient's condition rapidly deteriorated.
  • The patient expired within 4 days of hospital admission.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the severe pathogenicity of avian influenza A (H5N1) in previously healthy children.
  • It emphasizes the importance of prompt diagnosis and isolation in suspected human H5N1 cases.
  • Public health surveillance and measures to prevent human-animal contact are crucial for mitigating H5N1 risks.

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