China Confirms Sixth Avian Influenza Case

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) confirmed another H9N2 avian influenza case in southwest China. The new case involved a 39-year-old man from Guizhou prefecture who died from his infection.

The ECDC reported no other related cases were detected.

China had previously reported five other H9N2 cases over the past six months, according to data from Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection.

H9N2 is common in Asian poultry, and sporadic infections occur in people who have contact with poultry or their environments. However, infections are usually mild and typically reported in children.

When avian influenza viruses circulate in an area, the people involved in high-risk tasks such as sampling sick birds, culling and disposing of infected birds, eggs, litter, and cleaning contaminated premises should be trained to protect themselves.

Respiratory transmission occurs mainly by droplets, disseminated by unprotected coughs and sneezes.

There are four types of influenza viruses: A, B, C, and D.

Wild aquatic birds, such as wild ducks, geese, swans, gulls, shorebirds, and terns, are the natural hosts for most influenza type A viruses, says the U.S. CDC.

People can be infected with various influenza A viruses circulating in animals, such as avian influenza virus subtypes A(H5N1) and A(H9N2) and swine influenza virus subtypes A(H1N1) and (H3N2).

Influenza A vaccines are selectively available and are different than the typical annual flu shot.