Third Case of H5N6 Bird Flu Reported In Guangdong

By Matthew Bossons, January 25, 2016

Another human case of the H5N6 bird flu has reared its ugly head in Guangdong, the third such infection this winter, according to CRI English News.

The infected individual, a 31-year-old woman, is from Shenzhen's Futian District, and began experiencing fever-like symptoms on January 8. She was admitted to hospital on January 14 and was in critical condition, according to the report.

Unlike the city’s previous case of bird flu, which resulted in the death of a 26-year-old woman, this case had a happier ending – the woman is in stable condition.

Ma Hanwu, deputy director of the Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, told CRI English News that the disease has a low possibility of human infection and is unlikely to be spread human-to-human. Ma’s statements are consistent with past reports that have attributed previous infections to live poultry and poultry markets.

The report states that Shenzhen authorities have ordered a three-week closure of poultry markets beginning January 9.

The latest H5N6 infection is China’s fifth in as many months; so far it is the eighth human infection globally.

[Image via Farmers Weekly]