NewsDesk @bactiman63

Hong Kong health officials report monitoring a human case of avian influenza A(H5N6) in the Mainland.

Image/dinky123uk

According to officials, the case involves a 49-year-old male living in Baise City in Guangxi, who had visited a live poultry market before onset. He developed symptoms on April 16 and was admitted for treatment on April 18. He passed away on April 24.

This is the 14th case reported in China in 2022 to date.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) reports from 2014 to date, 78 human cases of avian influenza A(H5N6) have been reported by Mainland health authorities.

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. The incubation period ranges from 7 to 10 days. The more virulent forms can result in respiratory failure, multi-organ failure and even death.