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Russia: H5N8 in 7 poultry workers - 1st documented bird to human transmission of this strain in the world - February 20, 2021

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  • Russia: H5N8 in 7 poultry workers - 1st documented bird to human transmission of this strain in the world - February 20, 2021

    Source: https://sputnik.by/health/20210220/1...-v-Rossii.html

    The world's first case of human infection with avian influenza detected in Russia
    ? Sputnik / Evgeny Epanchintsev
    Health
    14:21 20.02.2021 (updated 14:32 20.02.2021)

    The new avian influenza A (H5N8) virus can be transmitted from birds to humans, but not from person to person.

    MINSK, 20 Feb - Sputnik. Avian influenza was detected in seven employees of a poultry farm located in southern Russia, said the head of Rospotrebnadzor Anna Popova.

    "Scientists of the Vector Center have isolated genetic material of this type of avian influenza from seven employees of a poultry farm in the south of the Russian Federation, where an outbreak was registered among the poultry population in December 2020," Popova said on the Russia 24 TV channel.

    According to her, all measures to protect people and animals were carried out in a short time, all seven people are doing well. “All people, all seven people I’m talking about today, feel good, their clinical course was very easy,” Popova added.

    Popova stressed that the new causative agent of avian influenza A (H5N8) can be transmitted from birds to humans, since it has overcome the interspecific barrier, but this variant of the virus has not yet been transmitted from person to person.

    At present, it is still impossible to say how quickly the bird flu mutation will allow transmission from person to person. Time will tell.

    According to the head of Rospotrebnadzor, the genetic material of bird flu was isolated by the staff of the Vector Center, which will warn scientists, practitioners and people all over the world.

    "To take the necessary measures in a timely manner and counter the new threat at a significantly different new high level of counteraction and prevention. We have time for this today," she added.

    There is now time to prepare a vaccine against the new avian influenza A (H5N8), if it becomes pathogenic, Popova said.



  • #2
    hat tip to FrenchieGirl


    TASS is government operated media.



    MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. A novel bird flu has been detected in seven workers of a poultry farm in southern Russia, Head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Anna Popova said at a briefing on Saturday.

    "Scientists of the Vector Center isolated the genetic material of this kind of bird flu in seven workers of a poultry farm in the south of the Russian Federation, where an outbreak in bird population was recorded in December 2020," she said. The top sanitary doctor added that this was the first confirmed case of the infection of humans with the A(H5N8) bird flu virus worldwide.

    According to her, all measures for the protection of humans and animals were implemented shortly, all risks were minimized and the situation did not develop further.

    more..

    According to the watchdog chief, all measures for the protection of humans and animals were implemented shortly

    Comment


    • #3
      Seven people at a poultry farm in southern Russia have tested positive for H5N8 bird flu, officials say, making it the first time that the highly pathogenic virus has been found in humans. There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission.

      “Today, I want to inform you about an important scientific discovery made by scientists at the Vector Scientific Center,” Anna Popova, the head of Russia’s consumer health watchdog, said on Saturday. “The first cases of human infection with [avian influenza A(H5N8)] have been laboratory confirmed.”

      The virus was found in seven employees at a poultry farm in southern Russia, where outbreaks of H5N8 bird flu had previously been reported in the bird population. Popova described the human cases as “mild,” according to the Interfax news agency.

      “The virus can be transmitted from birds to humans, it has overcome the interspecies barrier,” Popova said. “As of today, this variant of the influenza virus is not transmitted from person to person. Only time will tell how quickly future mutations will allow it to overcome this barrier.”

      Popova said the discovery will help researchers to prepare for the possibility of human-to-human transmission of the H5N8 virus. Information about the cases has been submitted to the World Health Organization (WHO).

      Human cases of H5 viruses are rare but have occasionally been found in people who are exposed to sick or dead birds. In rare cases where people are infected with H5 viruses, it can lead to severe illness or death, according to the World Health Organization.
      Seven people at a poultry farm in southern Russia have been infected with H5N8 bird flu, officials say, making it the first time that the highly pathogenic virus has been found in humans. There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission. “Today, I want to inform you about an important scientific discovery made by scientists at …

      Comment


      • gsgs
        gsgs commented
        Editing a comment
        Why did it become known only now, two months after the event? The fact is that it was
        necessary to make sure that there was no mistake before warning the WHO about a
        new danger that threatened people.
        "It happened a few days ago, as soon as we were absolutely sure of our results,"
        the chief health officer explained.
        "Vector of Rospotrebnadzor has already placed in the international GISAID database
        the data of full-genome sequencing of the A(H5N8) virus with those mutations that
        allowed it to overcome the interspecific barrier," Popova added.
        -----------------------------------
        Last edited by gsgs; February 20, 2021, 10:05 PM.

      • gsgs
        gsgs commented
        Editing a comment
        delete
        Last edited by gsgs; February 20, 2021, 08:25 PM. Reason: double post

    • #4
      Crossover to mammals documented in 2016 and 2017 here:

      Emerg Infect Dis.: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N8) Virus in Gray Seals, Baltic Sea

      Comment


      • #5
        Russian Media Reports 7 Human Infections With Avian H5N8




        #15,822

        One of the reassuring hallmarks of avian H5N8 has been that - unlike H5N1 and H5N6 - it has never been known to infect humans. There were reports out of Russia in the fall of 2017 - made by Anna Popova - Chief State Sanitary Physician of the Russian Federation - regarding potential asymptomatic human infection with HPAI H5N8, but they were never verified (see A Curious (And Unverified) H5N8 Report From Russia).

        While primarily a disease affecting birds, we have seen some evidence of H5N8 jumping to mammals (see MAFRA: H5N8 Antibodies Detected In South Korean Dogs (Again)), and some research (see Sci Rpts: H5N8 - Rapid Acquisition of Virulence Markers After Serial Passage In Mice) suggesting that H5N8 could someday acquire the genetic changes that would make it a human health threat as well.

        A 2017 editorial in the Journal Virulence (see J. Virulence Editorial: HPAI H5N8 - Should We Be Worried?) reviewed and summarized the literature, and found enough reasons to be concerned over the future evolutionary path of H5N8, stating that:

        The extensive distribution of HPAI H5N8, as well as the gene reassortment with other circulating avian viruses already observed for H5N8 suggests there is a potential risk for human cases of H5N8 infections.

        According to numerous Russian and English language media reports this morning, Russia has notified the World Health Organization of 7 confirmed avian H5N8 infections in humans. The announcement was made earlier today by Anna Popova.

        This (translated) report from TASS.

        The world's first case of human infection with influenza A (H5N8) was detected in Russia

        Bird flu is not yet transmitted from person to person, emphasized the head of Rospotrebnadzor Anna Popova


        MOSCOW, February 20. / TASS /. Avian influenza of a new type was detected in seven employees of a poultry farm in southern Russia, the head of Rospotrebnadzor Anna Popova said at a briefing on Saturday.

        "Scientists of the Vector Center have isolated genetic material of this type of avian influenza from seven employees of a poultry farm in the south of the Russian Federation, where an outbreak was registered among the poultry population in December 2020," she said. The head of Rospotrebnadzor noted that this was the world's first confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N8) virus.

        According to her, all measures to protect people and animals were carried out in a short time, all risks were minimized and this situation did not develop further.

        “All people, all seven people I’m talking about today, feel good, their clinical course was very mild. But at the same time, our scientists were able to see changes in the human body and the immune response to meeting this virus in all seven workers This poultry farm. Today they feel good, and at that moment they felt good, the disease ended quickly enough, "she said.

        Person-to-person transmission

        No cases of human-to-human transmission of the new type of avian influenza virus have yet been recorded, Popova said.

        "So far, we see that the new pathogen of avian influenza A (H5N8) is capable of spreading from birds to humans - it has overcome the interspecies barrier. But this variant of the influenza virus is not transmitted from person to person today," Popova said.

        According to the head of Rospotrebnadzor, "how quickly subsequent mutations will allow him to overcome this barrier, time will tell."

        "This scientific discovery of our scientists, the Vector Institute of Rospotrebnadzor allows us to warn scientists, practitioners, and the public and citizens around the world in order to take the necessary measures in a timely manner and counter a new threat at a significantly new high level of counteraction and prevention. Time for this. we have it today, "the chief sanitary doctor of Russia emphasized.


        (Continue . . . )

        This is obviously unwelcome, but not completely unexpected, news. Hopefully we'll get an update from the WHO with more details in the days ahead.

        All medical discussions are for educational purposes. I am not a doctor, just a retired paramedic. Nothing I post should be construed as specific medical advice. If you have a medical problem, see your physician.

        Comment


        • #6
          On December 24, the site KP.ru reported during the analysis of the biomaterial, experts identified bird flu on the territory of the hunting area in the Peschanokopsky district of the Rostov region.


          24 December 2020 7:32
          Bird flu found in the Rostov region

          Rosselkhoznadzor is trying to prevent the spread of the disease

          Читайте на WWW.ROSTOV.KP.RU: https://www.rostov.kp.ru/online/news/4131100/



          ...In particular, the data of the whole genome sequencing of the A / H5N8 virus isolated on December 12, 2020 from a 28-year-old woman from the Astrakhan region were placed in the international database GISAID...https://nplus1.ru/news/2021/02/20/h5n8


          Southwest area...In August last year, it was reported that two outbreaks of bird flu were registered in the Omsk and Cherlak districts of the Omsk region. Earlier, the disease was recorded in 10 districts of the region...https://www.pnp.ru/social/v-rossii-z...ppom-h5n8.html
          CSI:WORLD http://swineflumagazine.blogspot.com/

          treyfish2004@yahoo.com

          Comment


          • #7
            A very large outbreak occurred in Tatarstan in Dec. Very lax conditions, wild waterfowl on the property...
            https://realnoevremya.ru/articles/19...rzhaniya-pticy
            a large article on outbreaks in the region at that time.
            CSI:WORLD http://swineflumagazine.blogspot.com/

            treyfish2004@yahoo.com

            Comment


          • #8
            Die off of wild birds was reported in Southern Russia :
            Экологи зафиксировали массовую гибель птиц и дельфинов на черноморском побережье. Первыми тревогу забили жители Анапы. "Витязевская коса - "полоса отчуждения". После последних штормов коса от Витязево до Благовещенской усыпана мусором и тушками птиц. Попадаются и мертвые дельфины", -говорится...

            Comment


            • #9
              Russia records first case of H5N8 avian flu in humans, alerts WHO

              Scientists isolate strain’s genetic material from seven workers at a poultry farm; none suffered serious health consequences

              Today, 3:02 am

              ... “The discovery of these mutations when the virus has not still acquired an ability to transmit from human to human gives us all, the entire world, time to prepare for possible mutations and react in an adequate and timely fashion,” Popova said.

              ... Speaking in televised remarks, Vektor head Rinat Maksyutov said the lab was ready to begin developing test kits that would help detect potential cases of H5N8 in humans and to begin work on a vaccine.

              Comment


              • #10
                Translation Google

                Scientists predicted the emergence of a new virus - worse than COVID-19

                Vitaly Myagkiy
                February 22, 2021 at 02:35 PM

                Mixing (reassorting) avian and human viruses can lead to the emergence of a new influenza virus, which will be much more dangerous than COVID-19. Virologists told URA.RU about this: Anatoly Altstein, an employee of the Gamaleya Center, and Alexei Agranovsky, a professor at the Belozersky Institute of Moscow State University.

                “Recombination between avian and human viruses - such viruses can spread to humans and cause very severe epidemics. That's quite possible. They are working on it. They think about it all the time. And preparations for such a possible pandemic are underway. The likelihood of this is not so great, but such a thing is possible, and I do not exclude that in the future we will face such epidemics in which the coronavirus will seem like child's play, ”said Altstein.

                The virologist noted that the appearance of such an influenza virus is a rare event, but when, for example, the Spanish flu (the most massive pandemic in the history of mankind) occurs, all conditions were met. “The genetic material of the human virus and the avian virus, in general of all influenza viruses, consists of eight fragments. And when two such influenza viruses enter the cell and multiply, it is very easy for these parts of the genome to mix, ”explained Altstein.

                Professor Agranovsky explained to URA.RU how infection can change by comparing COVID-19 and the influenza virus. “The coronavirus is a huge 28 gigabyte flash drive, let's say. And the flu virus is eight flash drives, each of which is, say, two to six gigabytes. Replacing one flash drive with another gives completely new properties. There is a very serious pathogenic potential, ”the virologist emphasized. He expressed confidence that the COVID-19 pandemic has taught humanity to be more attentive to the world of viruses than before.

                Earlier in the south of Russia, seven workers of a poultry farm were diagnosed with bird flu. The new causative agent of avian influenza A (H5N8) can be transmitted from birds to humans. Experts said that avoiding the use of raw eggs, poorly processed meat of poultry and wild poultry in the diet will help protect against it . Doctor and TV presenter Alexander Myasnikov believes that a new strain of bird flu can mutate and cause a new pandemic, Tsargrad reports .

                "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                -Nelson Mandela

                Comment


                • #11
                  Has testing of humans for asymptomatic and mild H5N8 bird flu begun in other nations with H5N8 outbreaks after seven infected workers in Russia’s Astrakhan region?

                  FEBRUARY 21, 2021.

                  By Daniel R. Lucey MD, MPH, FIDSA

                  On Saturday (Feb. 20 ), the Russian news agency TASS reported:

                  “At the beginning of December 2020, an outbreak of bird flu occurred at a poultry farm in Akhtubinsky district . . . During this period, seven employees of the poultry farm had a slight health disorder (sore throat) . . .”

                  ...
                  Specific studies to assess asymptomatic transmission of H5N8 from person-to-person must also be undertaken. This is especially true given the experience with COVID-19 pandemic, another “Disease X” novel virus for which asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission was initially underappreciated...

                  ..An earlier TASS article, on Dec. 16, had reported:

                  “The poultry population at the Vladimirovskaya poultry farm in the Akhtubinsky district of the Astrakhan region, numbering more than 800 thousand heads, will be completely eliminated due to an outbreak of bird flu . . . An outbreak of bird flu at the enterprise was detected on December 8. The poultry farm was quarantined, and the city of Akhtubinsk and the nearest village were also supervised.”....


                  ...Importantly, there are very likely more human infections with H5N8 avian flu if the genetic sequence of the H5N8 virus causing the infections in these seven humans is the same as the H5N8 virus outbreaks in some of the 17 other European and 4 Middle East nations reported since October 2020 by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) (see Table for nation-by-nation listing). ....https://sciencespeaksblog.org/2021/0...rakhan-region/
                  CSI:WORLD http://swineflumagazine.blogspot.com/

                  treyfish2004@yahoo.com

                  Comment


                  • #12
                    Japan Gathering Info on 1st Human Case of H5N8 Bird Flu
                    (2021/02/22-13:52)

                    Tokyo, Feb. 22 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government is collecting information on the first case of the H5N8 subtype, a highly pathogenic bird flu virus, being passed from poultry to humans, which was confirmed in Russia, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said Monday.

                    "Although the infection is believed to have occurred on a limited scale, we'll work closely with the governments of other countries and the World Health Organization so that we can gather related information and sent it out to the public appropriately," Kato, Japan's top government spokesman, told a press conference.
                    The H5N8 subtype virus has been detected in poultry in Japan.
                    "We've been asking workers at chicken farms and those engaged in epidemic control work to thoroughly implement measures to prevent the virus from spreading," Kato said. "No human infection has been confirmed in Japan."
                    https://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2021022200510

                    CSI:WORLD http://swineflumagazine.blogspot.com/

                    treyfish2004@yahoo.com

                    Comment


                    • #13
                      Translation Google

                      Avian influenza: developments since the first human infection with the H5N8 strain

                      12:13 24 Feb 2021461

                      On Saturday, Russia confirmed the first case of human infection with the H5N8 strain of the avian influenza virus. Russian scientists still give contradictory recommendations to consumers.

                      So, the infectious disease doctor, director of the Scientific Information Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Infections Georgy Vikulov told the MIR 24 TV channel that to prevent bird flu, it is necessary not to eat raw meat and eggs.

                      He also recommended refraining from eating wild poultry and noted that the risk of infection is high among people who hunt.

                      And a leading researcher at the Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immunobiological Preparations named after V.I. Chumakov Russian Academy of Sciences Alexandra Gambaryan told the media that it is impossible to contract bird flu as a result of eating chicken meat, only workers of poultry farms who are in contact with sick animals are at risk of infection.

                      - To get infected, you need to breathe in this virus, which rises with dust in the chicken coop. You can be absolutely calm, even if you eat raw chicken, which, probably, you do not practice, - she said in an interview with the TV channel "Russia-24"

                      The head of the Center "Vector" Rinat Maksyutov said that the prompt detection of a new type of bird flu in the south of Russia allows already now to start developing a test system for detecting human cases and make a decision to start treatment, as well as begin work on the creation of a candidate vaccine strain ...

                      The World Health Organization (WHO) has received a notification from Russia about the infection of people with a new type of avian influenza A (H5N8). The organization is discussing the incident with national authorities to obtain additional information to assess the current public health situation, WHO spokesman Tarik Yasharevich told TASS on Saturday.

                      The international community also reacted to the message of Rospotrebnadzor. In particular, the French ministries of health and agriculture issued a joint statement on Saturday stating that there is currently no risk of transmission to humans by a new type of avian influenza A (H5N8) virus in France.

                      The ministries assure that the competent services are comparing the virus detected in Russia with the viruses present on the national territory.

                      - The results of this comparison of viruses will be reported as soon as possible, - the document says.

                      Meanwhile, LLC "Poultry farm" Vladimirovskaya "in the Akhtuba region, where the infection occurred in early December 2020, is preparing to resume work.

                      After identification of the outbreak, poultry and finished products (frozen meat and eggs) were destroyed. As of February 20, all disinfection measures have been carried out.

                      - From February 24, after the completion of the washing and current disinfection of the buildings, it is planned to carry out whitewashing and aerosol (final) disinfection with quality control. From April 15, it is planned to purchase chickens, - said the press service of the governor of the Astrakhan region.

                      Prepared based on the materials of TASS

                      В субботу в России подтвердили первый случай заражения человека штаммом H5N8 вируса птичьего гриппа. Российские ученые пока дают потребителям противоречивые рекомендации.

                      --------------------------------------------------------------

                      The expert does not rule out that the new avian influenza A (H5N8) virus may lead to an epidemic or even a pandemic

                      10:02 25 Feb 2021164

                      Doctor of Veterinary Sciences, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor of the Department of Epizootology named after V.I. V.P. Urbana, director of the Scientific Research Consulting and Diagnostic Center for Poultry of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "SPbGUVM" Eduard Javadov commented on the infection of people with highly pathogenic avian influenza.

                      In his opinion, the new avian influenza A (H5N8) virus, recorded in southern Russia in 2020, caused a mild illness in people, but this does not mean that this virus will not mutate, which could lead to an epidemic or even a pandemic.

                      - In 2000, outbreaks of avian influenza (H5N1), which were transmitted from birds to humans, were recorded in the world and in Russia. Then the influenza virus also crossed the interspecies barrier. The mortality rate was very high (more than 50% of people died). Certain methods were used to combat the disease (mainly sanitary measures and vaccination of poultry in open-type poultry farms), which made it possible to prevent the spread of the disease, - Eduard Javadov, an expert in virology and immunology of poultry, explained to us.

                      In addition, the virus did not then acquire the ability to transmit from person to person, which saved the world community from an avian flu pandemic.

                      In the world and in the Russian Federation, at the present time, all birds infected with influenza are being destroyed.

                      According to him, Russian specialists and scientists believe that vaccination does not prevent the entry of a pathogenic virus into the body, does not prevent the possibility of its mutation.

                      - Not a single vaccine can create 100% immunity and provide 100% protection, but nevertheless, it is necessary to vaccinate a bird not only in open-type farms and poultry farms, and not only with a vaccine against low-pathogenic avian influenza, as permitted by the Rosselkhoznadzor at the moment, but also at closed-type poultry farms and also against highly pathogenic avian influenza in threatened areas (in border areas with bird flu-poor locations, on the migration routes of migratory birds, etc.), the expert is sure.

                      He also added that officials of the Rosselkhoznadzor, Rospotrebnadzor and scientists closely involved in this problem need to develop a set of measures to combat this dangerous infection for both animals and humans.
                      ...

                      Доктор ветеринарных наук, академик РАН, профессор кафедры эпизоотологии им. В.П. Урбана, директор Научно-исследовательского консультационно-диагностического центра по птицеводству ФГБОУ ВО «СПбГУВМ» Эдуард Джавадов прокомментировал заражение людей высокопатогенным птичьи гриппом.
                      "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                      -Nelson Mandela

                      Comment


                      • #14
                        Source: https://www.who.int/csr/don/26-feb-2...federation/en/

                        Human infection with avian influenza A (H5N8) – the Russian Federation


                        Disease Outbreak News
                        26 February 2021



                        On 18 February 2021, the National IHR Focal Point for the Russian Federation notified WHO of detection of avian influenza A(H5N8) in seven human clinical specimens. These are the first reported detection of avian influenza A(H5N8) in humans. Positive clinical specimens were collected from poultry farm workers who participated in a response operation to contain an avian influenza A(H5N8) outbreak detected in a poultry farm in Astrakhan Oblast in the Russian Federation. The laboratory confirmation of the seven specimens were performed by the State Research Centre for Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR (WHO H5 Reference Laboratory). The age of seven positive cases ranged between 29 to 60 years and five were female.

                        Between 3 and 11 December, a total of 101 000 of 900 000 egg laying hens on the farm died. This high mortality rate prompted an investigation. Samples were collected from these birds and an initial detection of avian influenza A(H5N8) was performed by the Russian regional veterinary laboratory. On 11 December, the outbreak was confirmed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Reference laboratory, and the Federal Centre for Animal Health (FGBI-ARRIAH), in Vladimir, the Russian Federation. Outbreak containment operations started immediately and continued for several days due to the large size of the poultry farm.

                        The cases remained asymptomatic for the whole follow up duration (several weeks). Follow-up nasopharyngeal swabs were collected during medical observation period and were tested negative for avian influenza A(H5N8). No obvious clinical manifestations were reported from any farm workers under medical surveillance, their family members, or other close contacts of the seven cases. Additionally, acute and convalescent sera was collected from the seven positive human cases for serological testing. The results were suggestive of recent infection.

                        Influenza A(H5N8) viruses isolated from this poultry outbreak in Astrakhan belonged to clade 2.3.4.4b of avian influenza A(H5Nx) viruses. In 2020, avian influenza A (H5N8) viruses were also detected in poultry or wild birds in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Germany, Hungary, Iraq, Japan, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom, and the Russian Federation.
                        Public health response


                        On receiving the initial signal of a probable outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at the poultry farm on 3 December 2020, the national authorities took immediate measures including cessation of poultry production cycles, and product transportation from the affected farm.

                        Between 11 and 18 December, several measures including culling and disposing of poultry, eggs, litter and disinfection of contaminated premises were taken as part of outbreak response activities

                        During and after the culling of all the poultry, nasopharyngeal swabs and serum samples were collected from poultry farm workers and personnel involved in outbreak response at the farm. The surveillance activities, both within and outside of the containment area, was intensified. A total of 24 close contacts of the confirmed cases have been identified and traced. In total, 150 individuals were monitored for clinical indication of respiratory disease and received antiviral prophylaxis therapy. No symptoms were reported among these individuals.

                        Whole Genome Sequencing of avian influenza A (H5N8) viruses isolated from poultry and from one of the seven human cases was performed and were uploaded to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) database on 20 February 2021. Genetic and phenotypic characterization of the virus is ongoing.

                        WHO is following up with the public health authorities in the Russian Federation, including implementation of public health measures warranted by such events, and with the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) on further analysis and assessment of the virus materials and serum samples. On 20 February, a special briefing by the head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing was organized for the state Russian media to inform the public about these cases and the implications.
                        WHO risk assessment


                        Since 2004, avian influenza A(H5) viruses have spread from Asia to Europe via wild birds. The genetic clade 2.3.4.4 H5 viruses have often reassorted among other avian influenza viruses, resulting in avian influenza A(H5N1), A(H5N2), A(H5N3), A(H5N5), A(H5N6) and A(H5N8) viruses, some of which have been detected in birds in many countries .

                        In the Russian Federation, avian influenza A(H5N8) of clade 2.3.4.4 was isolated for the first time in 2014 in a wild bird in the northern region of Russian Far East.

                        As mentioned earlier, all the seven cases with PCR-positive results were clinically asymptomatic. All close contacts of these cases were clinically monitored, and no one showed signs of clinical illness. Infections with avian influenza viruses of the same clade (H5 clade 2.3.4.4) have been reported from China since 2014 in people with exposure to infected birds. The likelihood of human infections with influenza A(H5N8) viruses has been considered to be low.

                        Further genetic and antigenic characterization and information on seroconversion among contacts of the positive cases is required to fully assess the risk.

                        The development of zoonotic influenza candidate vaccine viruses for potential use in human vaccines, coordinated by WHO, remains an essential component of the overall global strategy for influenza pandemic preparedness.

                        Based on currently available information, the risk of human-to-human transmission remains low.
                        WHO advice


                        These cases do not change the current WHO recommendations on public health measures and surveillance of animal and seasonal human influenza, which should continue to be implemented. Respiratory transmission occurs mainly by droplets, disseminated by unprotected coughs and sneezes. Short-distance airborne transmission of influenza viruses may occur, particularly in crowded enclosed spaces. Hand contamination, direct inoculation of virus, exposure to infected birds or virus-contaminated materials or environments are potential sources of infection.

                        When avian influenza viruses are circulating in an area, the people involved in specific, high-risk tasks such as sampling sick birds, culling and disposing of infected birds, eggs, litter and cleaning of contaminated premises should be trained on how to protect themselves, and on proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) . People involved in these tasks should be registered and monitored closely by local health authorities for seven days following the last day of contact with poultry or their environments.

                        Due to the constantly evolving nature of influenza viruses, WHO continues to stress the importance of global surveillance to detect virological, epidemiological and clinical changes associated with circulating influenza viruses that may affect human (or animal) health and timely virus sharing for risk assessment.

                        Thorough investigation of all potential novel influenza human infections is warranted. All human infections caused by a novel influenza subtype are notifiable under the International Health Regulations (IHR), and State Parties to the IHR are required to immediately notify WHO of any laboratory-confirmed case of a recent human infection caused by new influenza A subtype with the potential to cause a pandemic (please see case definitions for diseases requiring notification under the IHR ). Evidence of illness is not required.

                        In the case of a confirmed or suspected human infection, a thorough epidemiologic investigation of history of exposure to animals, of travel, and contact tracing should be conducted, even while awaiting the confirmatory laboratory results. The epidemiologic investigation should include early identification of unusual respiratory events that could signal person-to-person transmission of the novel virus. Clinical samples collected from the time and place that the case occurred should be tested and sent to a WHO Collaboration Center for further characterization.

                        Travelers to countries with known outbreaks of avian influenza should avoid farms, contact with animals in live animal markets, entering areas where animals may be slaughtered, or contact with any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with animal feces. Travelers should also wash their hands often with soap and water. Travelers should follow good food safety and good food hygiene practices.

                        Based on the currently available information, WHO advises against any special traveler screening at points of entry or restrictions on travel and/or trade with the Russian Federation.

                        For further information and details please see:

                        Comment


                        • #15
                          22 MAY, 20:34

                          Russian scientists create strain for bird flu vaccine
                          ...
                          NOVOSIBIRSK, May 23. /TASS/. Russia?s Vektor State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology has created a vaccine strain that can be used as a vaccine against the A(H5N8) influenza, also known as the bird flu, the center?s chief Rinat Maksyutov has told TASS.

                          "In March, we used reverse genetics technology to create a vaccine strain that can be used as a vaccine against H5N8. If necessary, this strain can be promptly handed over to Russian production facilities, to develop a vaccine with the help of existing technologies. The prototype of a testing kit has also been developed," he said on the sidelines of the New Knowledge educational marathon.
                          ...
                          Head of Russia?s consumer watchdog Anna Popova said in an interview with TASS in March that the new type of bird flu A(H5N8), confirmed in several Russians in February, is likely to mutate soon to acquire the ability of human-to-human transmission.
                          ...

                          Earlier, Russian scientists had confirmed first human cases of A(H5N8)
                          "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                          -Nelson Mandela

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