Three cases of human infection with an avian influenza A(H3N8) virus have been reported from China, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said Tuesday.
The recent one, reported to the WHO on March 27, 2023, is that of a 56 year old female from Guangdong province. Two previous cases were reported in April and May 2022. Of the two previous cases, one had developed a critical illness, while the other had a mild illness.
The WHO says the China government has enhanced monitoring and disinfection in the surrounding environment of the patient’s residence and suspected exposure areas and increasing public awareness on the infection.
Avian influenza A(H3N8) viruses are commonly found in birds. Cross species transmission has been reported in various mammals including dogs and horses.
H3N8 symptoms
As per the WHO data, the 56 year old patient, who had symptoms since February 22, was hospitalized for severe pneumonia on March 3. She died on March 16, 2023.
Coronavirus symptoms: Unusual symptoms that are different from the classic signs
"The case was detected through the severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) surveillance system. The patient had multiple underlying conditions. She had a history of exposure to live poultry before the onset of the disease, and a history of wild bird presence around her home. No close contacts of the case developed an infection or symptoms of illness at the time of reporting," the WHO report says.
The samples collected from the wet market confirmed positive for H3N8.
Mostly, a patient shows conjunctivitis or mild flu-like symptoms to severe acute respiratory disease in this infection.
In rare cases, gastrointestinal or neurological symptoms are also seen.
