A 56-year-old woman from Guangdong province in southern China has become the first person to die from H3N8 bird flu, a rare subtype of avian influenza, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The woman, who had multiple underlying health conditions and a history of exposure to live poultry, was the third known case of H3N8 infection in humans, with the first two cases reported in China last year.
The Guangdong Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported the third infection in late March, but did not provide details of the woman’s death. Samples collected from a wet market that the woman had visited before falling ill were positive for influenza A(H3), suggesting that this may have been the source of infection, according to the WHO.
H3N8 bird flu is common in birds, causing little to no signs of disease, but it has also been known to infect other mammals. While sporadic infections in humans with bird flu are common in China, where avian flu viruses circulate widely in poultry and wild bird populations, this is the first known human death from H3N8. However, the WHO has stated that the virus does not appear to have the ability to spread easily from person to person, and the risk of it spreading among humans at national, regional, and international levels is considered low.
Avian influenza viruses are closely monitored due to their potential to evolve and cause pandemics. In recent years, there have been several outbreaks of avian influenza, including the highly pathogenic H5N1 and H7N9 strains, which have caused severe illness and deaths in humans. While H3N8 has not been associated with widespread human infections, the WHO’s statement underscores the importance of continued surveillance of avian influenza viruses and prompt reporting of any human cases.
China has implemented measures to prevent the spread of avian influenza, including temporary closures of live poultry markets, increased surveillance of poultry farms, and culling of infected birds. However, the constant circulation of avian flu viruses in China’s poultry and wild bird populations poses ongoing challenges for disease control efforts. The country has a large poultry industry and a high demand for live birds, which increases the risk of exposure to avian influenza viruses.
In recent years, China has made significant investments in disease surveillance and response systems, as well as research and development of vaccines for avian influenza. These efforts are aimed at early detection, rapid response, and prevention of outbreaks in both animals and humans. The Chinese government has also collaborated with international partners, including the WHO, to strengthen global preparedness and response to emerging infectious diseases, including avian influenza.
Despite these efforts, the emergence of H3N8 bird flu in humans highlights the ongoing threat posed by avian influenza viruses and the need for continued vigilance in monitoring and controlling these viruses. In addition to China, other countries with large poultry industries and high exposure to avian influenza, such as Vietnam and Egypt, have also reported human cases of avian influenza in recent years.
In response to the latest case of H3N8 bird flu in China, the WHO has reiterated the importance of surveillance, early detection, and prompt reporting of human cases, as well as continued efforts to prevent the spread of avian influenza in both animals and humans. The organization also stressed the need for international cooperation and coordination to address the global threat of infectious diseases, including avian influenza.
The recent death of a Chinese woman from H3N8 bird flu highlights the ongoing challenges posed by avian influenza viruses and the need for sustained efforts in disease surveillance, response, and prevention. While the risk of human-to-human transmission of H3N8 appears to be low, continued monitoring of avian influenza viruses, along with timely reporting of human cases, is crucial to prevent potential outbreaks and protect public health.
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China and other countries with high exposure to avian influenza should continue to implement robust measures, such as temporary closures of live poultry markets, increased surveillance of poultry farms, and culling of infected birds, to prevent the spread of avian influenza in both animals and humans.
