Analysis of Recent Influenza Cases
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently issued several Disease Outbreak News reports detailing cases of influenza, highlighting significant developments in detection, sources of exposure, and patient profiles. Here’s a summary of the key findings:
Avian Influenza A (H5N1) – Australia
Notification:
On May 17, 2024, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza in Australia notified the IHR National Focal Point of a suspected case of human A(H5N1) avian influenza in Melbourne, Victoria.
Importance:
This marks Australia’s first confirmed human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1).
Source of exposure:
The specific source of exposure remains unknown, but the case had recently traveled to Kolkata, India, where this strain of A(H5N1) has been identified in birds.
Case profile:
The patient is a two and a half-year-old girl without underlying health conditions, who presented symptoms shortly after returning to Australia and required intensive care briefly before being discharged in stable condition.
More information: Link to WHO report
Avian Influenza A (H5N2) – Mexico
Notification:
On May 23, 2024, Mexico reported its first laboratory-confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H5N2), resulting in a fatality.
Importance:
This case represents the first detection of avian H5 virus in a person in Mexico.
Source of exposure:
While the exact source remains unknown, A(H5N2) has been identified in Mexican poultry.
Case profile:
The patient, a 59-year-old with underlying medical conditions, was hospitalized in Mexico City and died shortly after admission, with ongoing investigations into the role of influenza in the fatality.
More information: Link to WHO report
Avian Influenza A(H9N2) – Viet Nam
Notification:
Viet Nam reported its first human infection with avian influenza A(H9N2) to WHO on April 9, 2024.
Importance:
This case marks the first documented human infection with A(H9N2) in Viet Nam.
Source of exposure:
Investigation suggests exposure near a poultry market.
Case profile:
The patient, a 37-year-old male with underlying health conditions, remains in severe condition as of the latest update in mid-April.
More information: Link to WHO report
Avian Influenza A(H5N1) – United States of America
Notification:
On April 1, 2024, the United States reported a confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1).
Importance:
This may be the first case of A(H5N1) acquired from infected mammals in the U.S.
Source of exposure:
The case had contact with infected dairy cattle in Texas.
Case profile:
The patient, over 18 years old, developed conjunctivitis and received antiviral treatment without hospitalization, showing signs of recovery.
More information: Link to WHO report
Conclusion:
These cases underscore the ongoing global surveillance and response efforts against avian influenza strains, emphasizing the importance of timely detection, investigation of exposure sources, and clinical management in affected individuals. Continued vigilance and collaboration are crucial in mitigating the spread and impact of these infections.
