Epidemiological characteristics of human infections with avian influenza A(H5N6) virus, China and Laos: A multiple case descriptive analysis, February 2014-June 2023
Simran Sandhu1, Christina Ferrante1, Aaron MacCosham1
1Centre for Emerging and Respiratory Infections and Pandemic Preparedness, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON.
Background:
The first human infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N6) virus was reported in 2014. From then until June 30, 2023, 85 human cases with confirmed A(H5N6) infection have been reported worldwide.
Objective:
To address the present gap in knowledge of the overall epidemiology of human A(H5N6) infections, the epidemiological characteristics of human infection with A(H5N6) in China from February 2014 to June 2023 are described.
Methods:
Considering the severity of human infections with A(H5N6) virus (case fatality rate: 39%), the increased frequency of case reports from 2021 to present day, and lack of comprehensive epidemiologic analysis of all cases, we conducted a multiple-case descriptive analysis and a literature review to create an epidemiologic profile of reported human cases. Case data was obtained via a literature search and using official intelligence sources captured by the Public Health Agency of Canada's International Monitoring and Assessment Tool (IMAT), including Event Information Site posts from the World Health Organization.
Results:
Most human A(H5N6) cases have been reported from China (China: 84; Laos: 1), with severe health outcomes, including hospitalization and death, reported among at-risk populations. The majority (84%) of cases reported contact with birds prior to illness onset. Cases were detected throughout the course of the year, with a slight decrease in illness incidence in the warmer months.
Conclusion:
As A(H5N6) continues to circulate and cause severe illness, surveillance and prompt information sharing is important for creating and implementing effective public health measures to reduce the likelihood of additional human infections.
Insights
Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N6) virus has caused 85 human infections globally since 2014, with most cases in China and a high fatality rate. Continued surveillance is crucial for public health.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- The first human infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N6) virus was documented in 2014.
- As of June 30, 2023, a total of 85 human cases of A(H5N6) infection have been reported worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiological characteristics of human A(H5N6) infections in China.
- To address the knowledge gap regarding the overall epidemiology of human A(H5N6) infections.
Main Methods:
- A multiple-case descriptive analysis and literature review were conducted.
- Data were sourced from literature searches and official intelligence sources, including the World Health Organization's Event Information Site.
Main Results:
- The majority of human A(H5N6) cases (84 out of 85) were reported in China.
- Severe outcomes, including hospitalization and death, were common, particularly in at-risk populations.
- Eighty-four percent of cases reported prior contact with birds, and cases occurred year-round with a slight dip in warmer months.
Conclusions:
- Avian influenza A(H5N6) continues to circulate and cause severe human illness.
- Ongoing surveillance and rapid information sharing are essential for effective public health interventions to prevent further human infections.
More Related Videos
08:46Rapid 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
06:57In Vitro Culture for H5N1-Specific Duck T Cells and Detection of Immune Responses Using Intracellular Cytokine Staining Method
Published on: May 30, 2025
Related Concept Videos
00:36Viral Mutations
00:57Viral Recombination