Human infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of the H5N1 subtype were first reported in 1997 in Hong Kong, when 18 people were infected and six people died.
Since human to human transmission of H5N1 influenza is inefficient and humans are most commonly infected through direct contact with infected poultry, the most efficient form of control is to avoid or limit contact with sick poultry or suspected cases of H5N1.
Early clinical features of H5N1 infection include persistent fever, cough, and respiratory difficulty progressing over 3-5 days as well as lymphopenia on admission to the hospital.
Other initials symptoms include headache malaise, muscle aches, sore throat, gastrointestinal upset and eye inflammation. All these symptoms are non-specific and may also be associated with currently circulating human seasonal influenza virus subtype.
H5N1 infection
