Human H5N6 Influenza Virus Infection: New Disease Outbreak

Emerging influenza infection becomes the global health concern. Within the past few years, there were many new emerging cross species zoonoses, especially for new emerging influenza infections.Of several new influenza infections, H5N6 influenza is a new human infection caused by bird flu. This infection has already infected 3 human cases since its first outbreak. Here, the author briefly summarizes this new human zoonosis.Emerging influenza infection becomes the global health concern. Within the past few years, there were many new emerging cross species zoonoses, especially for new emerging influenza infections (1). Basically, influenza viruses can infect both animal and human beings. Due to the high genetic instability within the molecule of the virus, the mutation can be expected. In case that sense mutation occurs, the chance of cross species infection may be possible (2, 3). However, as noted by Mahy and Brown, the factors which influence the ability of each infectious agent to effectively across the species barrier and infect new cells and populations are poorly understood (3) and this is the reason why the medical scientist has to study any new emerging infections in depth. Gathering information is required for appropriate diagnosis and treatment of the new disease.Of several new influenza infections, H5N6 influenza is a new human infection caused by bird flu. This new human infection was firstly reported in China and becomes the present concern in medical society (4, 5). There are few reports on this topic. To be updated, this infection has already infected 3 human cases since its first outbreak. Here, the author briefly summarizes this new human zoonosis.In May 2014, the first human H5N6 influenza infection was firstly reported (4). The first case was a fatal case of Chinese old man with severe pneumonia. The second case was also a Chinese who had the similar clinical features and clinical course to the first case. The third case was reported in February 2015. The last case also died from infection as well. It can be concluded that all cases had severe respiratory tract infection with rapid progression of illness to pneumonia that ended with death. The identified risk factor is being exposed to dead poultry and the local Chinese center of disease control (CDC) suggests for the avoidance of poultry contact.

Keywords:

H5N6 , Influenza , Zoonoses