By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

The Guangdong Provincial Health Commission reported today one human case of H5N6 avian influenza in a 53-year-old man living in Dongguan City.

avian influenza prevention/CHP

This is the 44th case reported in China since 2014 and the 20th case reported in less than one year.

The patient is currently being treated at a hospital in Dongguan.

Experts say that the case that appeared this time was an accidental case, and the risk of transmission of the virus is low at this stage.

Avian influenza is caused by those influenza viruses that mainly affect birds and poultry, such as chickens or ducks. Clinical presentation of avian influenza in humans may range from flu-like symptoms (e.g. fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches) to severe respiratory illness (e.g. chest infection). Eye infection (conjunctivitis) and gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) have also been reported.

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The incubation period ranges from 7 to 10 days. The more virulent forms can result in respiratory failure, multi-organ failure and even death. People mainly become infected with avian influenza virus through contact with infected birds and poultry (live or dead) or their droppings, or contact with contaminated environments (such as wet markets and live poultry markets). Human-to-human transmission is inefficient. People in close contact with poultry are more susceptible to contracting avian influenza.