Woman, 33, dies three weeks after catching rare H5N6 strain of bird flu as cases continue to rise
A 33-YEAR-OLD woman has died after three weeks after catching a rare form of bird flu.
The unnamed Chinese woman contracted the H5N6 strain after visiting a live poultry market in Sichuan, Hong Kong.
She first developed symptoms on October 22, was taken to hospital on October 22, and died on November 14, but her death has only just been reported.
Although the virus mainly affects birds, it occasionally jumps to humans, especially those in close contact with poultry.
The death rate is as high as 50 per cent.
It comes as UK health officials are drawing up plans to stockpile vaccines in case of a bird flu pandemic in humans.
It would be the first time it has been done for the disease, which is regarded as a top threat for the next pandemic.
H5N6 was first detected in people in 2014, and since then, 88 cases have been detected – all but one in China.
However, the rate appears to be rising:
A World Health Organisation official said: “Sporadic human cases are not unexpected.
"The rise in the number of reported human cases of an H5N6 infection may reflect the continued circulation of the virus in birds, and enhanced surveillance system and diagnostic capacity as a direct outcome of the response to the Covid-19 pandemic.”
WARNING TO TRAVELLERS
China is the world's biggest poultry producer and top producer of ducks, which act as a reservoir for flu viruses.
Backyard farms in China are still common and many people still prefer to buy live chickens at markets.
Although avian influenza viruses constantly circulate in domestic and wild birds, they rarely infect people.
But the evolution of the viruses, which have increased as poultry populations grow, is a major concern as they could change into a virus that spreads easily between people and cause a pandemic.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) in China, is warning travellers to avoid visiting wet markets, live poultry markets or farms.
People visiting should also avoid touching any birds or their droppings.
Travellers returning from affected areas should consult a doctor promptly if symptoms develop, and inform the doctor of their travel history for prompt diagnosis and treatment of potential diseases.