In light of the complex developments surrounding avian influenza, China has requested assistance from the World Health Organization (WHO). To date, three individuals in the country are believed to have contracted avian influenza, including one fatal case.
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In light of the complex developments surrounding avian influenza, China has requested WHO’s assistance. |
China has asked the WHO to help determine whether the death of a 12-year-old girl last month was caused by avian influenza. If confirmed, this would be the first reported death from avian influenza in the country.
According to Xinhua News Agency, there have been four outbreaks of avian influenza in poultry in China over the past three weeks, and three residents of the central Hunan Province experienced unexplained pneumonia last month.
The girl, named He Yin, died just three days after developing a high fever on October 13. Xinhua reported that she had “close contact with infected poultry.” Her 9-year-old brother was also hospitalized with similar symptoms but has since recovered. The third case involves a 36-year-old high school teacher who reportedly handled raw chicken while having a small cut on his hand, after which he fell ill.
All three individuals live in or near Wantang, a village where authorities reported that 545 chickens and ducks died from avian influenza last month.
Chinese officials have stated that both the girl and her brother tested negative for avian influenza; however, experts believe that “the possibility of human transmission of the H5N1 avian influenza virus cannot be ruled out, thus more in-depth testing is necessary.”
Roy Wadia, a spokesperson for WHO in Beijing, confirmed that China has requested WHO’s assistance in conducting blood and throat tests for the three victims.
T.VY (According to AP, Xinhua)
