The number of confirmed cases of H5N6 avian influenza in Guangxi province, China, has surged significantly in recent months.
Of the 48 people infected with the new avian flu variant, half have now died. Photo: Getty
A new variant of the H5N6 avian influenza, with a mortality rate of up to 50%, has been described by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention as a “serious threat.” The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern over the sudden spike in infections in China and has called for enhanced surveillance.
Since H5N6 first emerged in 2014, only 48 people have contracted this strain of avian influenza; however, one-third of these cases have been identified in Guangxi province, China, in just the past three months.
Moreover, the severity of the illness is a significant concern. Half of the confirmed cases have resulted in death, while the remaining individuals are suffering from long-term complications. A WHO spokesperson stated, “There is an urgent need to monitor affected areas in China to better understand the risks and the reasons behind the increase in H5N6 cases.”
Most cases of the disease are due to close contact between humans and poultry. Photo: Getty
Previously, H5N6 was thought to only infect individuals who had direct contact with live poultry. However, in July, a 61-year-old woman who tested positive for the virus reported that she had not been in contact with any live poultry.
The WHO spokesperson told BNO News that human-to-human transmission of the virus is unlikely: “Current epidemiological and virological evidence suggests that H5N6 is not capable of person-to-person transmission.”
Despite these statements, it appears that the virus is gradually evolving. A report from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention describes the spread of H5N6 as a “serious threat” to the poultry industry and public health. Researchers have noted, “This disease has become a significant public health issue that cannot be overlooked.”
