The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported the first-ever death from the H3N8 bird flu virus in China. The victim was a 89-year-old woman who had been exposed to sick poultry. This development has raised concerns about the potential for the virus to spread to other countries, as well as the need for improved measures to prevent the spread of similar diseases. In this article, we will take a closer look at the situation and provide insights on what can be done to mitigate the risk.
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed on Tuesday the death of a woman in China due to H3N8 avian influenza virus. The woman, who was 56-years-old, was from Guangdong province located in southeast China. She had a history of exposure to live poultry before the onset of the disease, and there were wild birds present around her home. She fell ill on February 22, was hospitalized for severe pneumonia on March 3 and died on March 16. The WHO stated that “the patient had multiple underlying conditions.” At the time of reporting, none of the woman’s close contacts developed an infection or symptoms of illness.
It is still unclear what the exact source of this virus is and how it is related to other avian influenza viruses that are circulating in animals. Although exposure to live poultry may have caused the infection, the WHO has called for further animal and human investigations. The organization also stated that it appears that this virus does not have the ability to spread easily from person to person, and therefore the risk of it spreading among humans at the national, regional, and international levels is considered to be low.
H3N8 is known to have been circulating since 2002 after first emerging in North American waterfowl. It is known to primarily infect horses but has also been found to infect dogs and seals. As a result of this case, China has closed live poultry markets in affected areas and has activated an emergency response system for the prevention and control of avian influenza.
In recent years, China has seen an increase in human cases of bird flu, including one in January that resulted in the death of a 41-year-old man in the central province of Hunan. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has also reported 14 cases of H7N4 bird flu virus so far this year. Although it is rare for humans to contract the virus, the WHO has warned that it is possible for the virus to mutate and develop the ability to spread easily between humans.
As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, news of the first H3N8 bird flu death in China serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present threat of infectious diseases. While this particular strain of bird flu is not known to be easily transmissible from person to person, the World Health Organization stresses the importance of continued monitoring and prevention efforts to contain potential outbreaks. As we navigate these uncertain times, it’s important to remain vigilant and informed in order to protect ourselves and our communities.
