Highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus, primarily spread by wild birds, has caused outbreaks in poultry farms and among wild birds. There have been cases of viral spillover from birds to mammals, including cattle and humans, highlighting the potential for a pandemic. The mechanisms of transmis...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian Medical Association journal (CMAJ) 2024-07, Vol.196 (25), p.E878-E878
Main Authors: Kozak, Robert, Bogoch, Isaac I, Mubareka, Samira
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Animals
Avian flu
Avian influenza
Avian influenza viruses
Birds
Cattle
Diagnosis
Disease transmission
Distribution
Humans
Infection
Infections
Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype - pathogenicity
Influenza in Birds - epidemiology
Influenza in Birds - transmission
Influenza in Birds - virology
Influenza, Human - epidemiology
Laboratories
Livestock
Livestock farms
Pandemics
Poultry industry
Practice
Public health
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Summary:Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus, primarily spread by wild birds, has caused outbreaks in poultry farms and among wild birds. There have been cases of viral spillover from birds to mammals, including cattle and humans, highlighting the potential for a pandemic. The mechanisms of transmission are not fully understood, but evidence suggests viral reassortment and mammalian adaptation, increasing the risk of transmission and disease among mammals. As of Jun 2024, no human cases of H5N1 have been acquired in Canada. However, globally, there have been nearly 900 reported human cases since 2003, with a case fatality rate of 52.4%. The clinical presentation of H5N1 infection can vary from mild to severe influenza, with some cases presenting with hemorrhagic conjunctivitis. Clinicians should inquire about animal exposures in patients with influenza-like illness, conjunctivitis, or meningoencephalitis. While the risk to the general population is currently low, individuals with substantial exposure to livestock or wildlife may be at risk for infection. Testing for H5N1 should be conducted promptly, and oseltamivir is the recommended antiviral treatment.
ISSN:0820-3946
1488-2329
1488-2329
DOI:10.1503/cmaj.240697