Epidemiological on the first human case with avian influenza A (H5N6) virus in Hubei Province

Abstract

Objective To analyze the epidemiological, diagnostic and clinical data of the first human case with avian influenza (H5N6) virus in Hubei Province for better understanding of measures in the prevention and control of human avian influenza in the future. Methods The diagnostic data and clinical treatment process of the case, as well as the data of closed contacts were analyzed by descriptive epidemiological methods. The epidemiological survey for the sources of infection was carried out, and the samples of the case, close contacts and environmental samples from the live poultry market were collected and were tested by laboratory detection methods. Results On April 9th, 2016, the patient developed fever with the highest body temperature of 40℃. He had a history of exposure to live poultry. The lower respiratory tract samples of the case were positive for the nucleic acid of avian influenza A (H5N6) virus. However, the specimens from upper respiratory tract were negative. The patients had no history of travelling or closely contacting with avian influenza patients. After two months of treatment, the patient recovered and discharged from the hospital. No fever or respiratory infection sign was observed from the 58 close contacts. Eleven samples out of 36 samples collected from two livestock markets and one chicken shop where the patient usually passed by were positive for nucleic acid of avian influenza A (H5N6) virus with a positive rate of 30.56%. Conclusions This was the first local human case with avian influenza A (H5N6) virus infection in Hubei Province. No human-to-human transmission was found. This investigation showed that the possible transmission route was birds-environment-human. The lower respiratory tract samples have their significance on case diagnosis. Meanwhile, earlier treatment with Oseltamivir played an essential role in the recovery of the case. Key words: Avian influenza; H5N6; Epidemiological investigation; Laboratory diagnosis; Live poultry market