Epidemiologic survey of the first patient infected with highly pathogenic human avian influenza in China.

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristic of the first patient infected with avian influenza and prevent the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus from spreading among humans. Methods Epidemiologic survey was carried out, laboratory detection of pathogen and detection of double sera from the patient at acute and convalescence phases of avian influenza were conducted. Meanwhile strict observation on those closely contacted with the patient was also made. Results A lot of fowls died in the patient's house on October 6 and the patient fell ill in the same day. The specific antibody H5 of double sera showed a four-fold increase at acute and convalescence phases. No abnormal manifestations were observed among those closely contacted with the patient during strict medical observation. Conclusion The patient was confirmed to be infected with highly pathogenic human avian influenza H5N1 virus as ascertained by expert group of Ministry of Health and WHO.