Epidemiological study of a case of infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1) in Shenzhen

Objective To investigate the infection source of patient infected with avian influenza virus (H5N1), and explore if there is person-to-person transmission of a case of infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1) in Shenzhen as well as summarize the experience so as to provide scientific evidence for further prevention and control of avian influenza. Methods Field investigation and laboratory test were implemented. Epidemiological, clinical and virological data of the case were collected and analyzed. Results The first case infected with H5N1 in Shenzhen was confirmed in 2011. But history of exposure to infected poultry, pneumonia of unknown etiology from close contacts and evidence of human to human transmission were not found. Conclusion The first H5N1 infected patient in Shenzhen is not a case caused by human to human transmission and the infection source might be from the market. Surveillance, emergency response and health education should be strengthened for the prevention and control of human highly pathogenic avian influenza.