Australian Child Infected with H5N1 Bird Flu Traveled to Kolkata, Confirms WHO

Last updated on June 10th, 2024 at 01:04 pm

In a recent update, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that a young child in Australia, who was the first human case of H5N1 bird flu in the country, had traveled to Kolkata, India, prior to falling ill. Despite the trip, the family reported no known contact with infected individuals or animals during their stay.

The WHO’s report, dated May 22, detailed that the child was admitted to a hospital on March 2, where she remained under medical care for over two weeks. Genetic sequencing identified the virus as H5N1, a subtype commonly found in Southeast Asia and known to infect both humans and poultry.

Timeline of Events

The child, a 2.5-year-old girl with no prior health conditions, traveled to Kolkata from February 12 to February 19, 2024. Upon her return to Australia on March 1, she began exhibiting symptoms and was hospitalized the next day. Initially treated in Victoria, she was soon transferred to an intensive care unit in Melbourne due to her worsening condition. After a 2.5-week hospitalization, she was discharged and is currently reported to be in good health.

Symptoms and Medical Response

The child’s symptoms began on February 25, 2024, manifesting as loss of appetite, irritability, and fever. By February 28, while still in India, she exhibited a cough and vomiting, for which she received paracetamol from a local doctor. Upon arrival in Australia, her illness had not been flagged to airport biosecurity officers.

Investigation into Source of Infection

Infectious disease experts, including Amesh Adalja from the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, stress the importance of determining the infection source. Adalja suggests that the virus’s transmission to the child likely involved an undetected exposure to infected birds or poultry, as H5N1 does not spread easily between humans.

The WHO continues to monitor the situation closely and urges caution for travelers in regions where H5N1 is prevalent. The organization’s findings underscore the need for vigilance in detecting and responding to potential sources of infection, especially in areas with known outbreaks.

Conclusion

The case highlights the challenges of tracking and preventing H5N1 infections, particularly in global travel contexts. The WHO’s detailed report serves as a critical reminder of the importance of rapid response and thorough investigation in managing infectious diseases.

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