• FluTrackers.com Inc. does not provide medical advice. Information on this web site is collected from various internet resources, and the FluTrackers board of directors makes no warranty to the safety, efficacy, correctness or completeness of the information posted on this site by any author or poster. The information collated here is for instructional and/or discussion purposes only and is NOT intended to diagnose or treat any disease, illness, or other medical condition. Every individual reader or poster should seek advice from their personal physician/healthcare practitioner before considering or using any interventions that are discussed on this website. By continuing to access this website you agree to consult your personal physican before using any interventions posted on this website, and you agree to hold harmless FluTrackers.com Inc., the board of directors, the members, and all authors and posters for any effects from use of any medication, supplement, vitamin or other substance, device, intervention, etc. mentioned in posts on this website, or other internet venues referenced in posts on this website.
  • We are not asking for any donations. Do not donate to any entity who says they are raising funds for us.

First Case of Human Infection with Avian Influenza virus A(H6N1) in Taiwan (HK CHP, June 21 2013)

Giuseppe

Giuseppe

Emeritus
[Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, full text: (LINK).]

CHP received notification of a human case of avian influenza A(H6N1) from Taiwan


The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (June 21) received notification from the health authority of Taiwan of a human case of avian influenza A(H6N1) affecting a 20-year-old woman.

According to information provided by the health authority of Taiwan, the patient presented with fever, coughing, headache and myalgia on May 5. She was admitted to a hospital for management on May 8 for sustained fever and shortness of breath. Her chest X-ray indicated mild pneumonia. She was discharged on May 11 and has recovered.

Avian influenza A(H6N1) virus was isolated from the patient's respiratory specimen by the relevant authority.

Information of the Taiwan authority revealed that the patient had no recent travel history or poultry exposure. Among the 36 close contacts of the patient, four of them had developed influenza-like illnesses whose laboratory tests revealed the absence of avian influenza A(H6N1) virus. The H6N1 virus, a low pathogenic avian influenza virus, is commonly found in poultry.

This is the first human case globally.

"The CHP has followed up with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Taiwan authority to obtain more information on the case. We will heighten our vigilance and continue to closely collaborate with the WHO and other health authorities.

''We will continue to maintain stringent port health measures in connection with the latest development," a DH spokesman remarked.

The spokesman said that avian influenza A(H6) is not a statutorily notifiable infectious disease in Hong Kong but the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP is capable to detect this virus.

"Locally, no confirmed human cases of avian influenza A(H6N1) have been recorded so far," the spokesman stressed.
The spokesman urged travellers to avoid direct contact with poultry, birds or their droppings. If contact has been made, they should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water.

Members of the public should remain vigilant and are reminded to take heed of the following preventive advice against avian influenza:
  • Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating;
  • Wash hands frequently with soap, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, handling food or eating; after going to the toilet or touching public installations or equipment such as escalator handrails, elevator control panels or door knobs; or when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
  • Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and hold the spit with a tissue and put it into a covered dustbin;
  • Avoid crowded places and contact with fever patients; and
  • Wear a mask when respiratory symptoms develop or when taking care of fever patients.
The public may visit the CHP's avian influenza page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/24244.html) for further information.
​
Ends/Friday, June 21, 2013
Issued at HKT 13:45
NNNN
​
-
-------
 
Re: First Case of Human Infection with Avian Influenza virus A(H6N1) in Taiwan (HK CHP, June 21 2013)

[Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Taiwan, full page in Chinese: (LINK). Automatic translation.]

Taiwan: Globally first human infection with avian influenza virus H6N1 detected

Domestic appear isolated from respiratory diseases H6N1 flu virus cases, the patient has been cured, the CDC urged people to make personal health management

(2013-06-21)


Disease Control, Department of Health on May 20 received a notification of a hospital, a 20-year-old woman living in central Patients with mild pneumonia isolated from respiratory specimens of not subtyped influenza A viruses, further examination by the Board and DNA sequencing was carried H6N1 influenza virus.

After investigation of close contacts 36 cases, of which four people have flu-like symptoms, the test found no H6N1 influenza virus infection, the council will continue to strengthen monitoring.

CDC pointed out that the woman tied to a breakfast shop work, never to go abroad, but also no history of exposure to related birds, May 5 with fever, cough, headache and muscle pain and other symptoms, May 8 morning because persistent fever and shortness of hospitalization and medical treatment, the X-ray examination showed a slight pneumonia, influenza antivirals in the administration of the symptoms improved, was discharged on May 11, has been recovered.

May 7 were collected from patients' respiratory specimens isolated H6N1 virus, May 24 patient serum specimens H6N1 antibody HI titer of 1:20,6 ? serum was collected from 1:40. In addition to the acquisition of the council respiratory specimens tested for influenza viruses, but also against the viruses such as respiratory infections common adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, coronavirus, enterovirus and rhinovirus and other 23 kinds of testing, with negative results.

Agricultural authorities also grouped cases within 1 km around the house poultry farm poultry collected two specimens tested, the results were not detected H6N1 avian influenza virus.

The council since 1999, in addition to the statutory infectious diseases (influenza complications) patient monitoring tests, but also to the community regularly hospitalized influenza patients and patients with unexplained pneumonia collected specimens for influenza virus testing, systematic monitor the activities of domestic influenza virus and the clinical situation the actual situation.

The number of samples tested annually about 1 to 20,000, has accumulated more than 250,000, identification and separation of about 86,000 strains of influenza virus, in addition to this (102) inspection of an imported H7N9 avian influenza viruses, never detected from the human body, including H6N1 physical examination, including other non-H1, H3 subtype influenza A viruses.

Case by invited agricultural agencies and related medical and veterinary experts meeting to discuss, according to the existing epidemiological findings judged the case based on the performance of minor sporadic cases of pneumonia, no evidence of human to human transmission phenomenon, health and agricultural authorities will also continue to strengthen humans, birds and environment monitoring.

H6N1 is widespread among poultry low pathogenic avian influenza virus has not been found in human cases of infection worldwide. The patients are separated by a viral gene sequences are shown in the case of avian origin, and the local poultry H6N1 strain of the virus most closely on Tamiflu and other antiviral drugs Relenza sensitive.

CDC appealed against avian influenza virus infection, livestock related practitioners should be prepared to personal protective measures, the public should avoid unnecessary contact with livestock animals, and should wash their hands, eat well cooked poultry meat and eggs class, in order to reduce the risk of infection. In addition, flu-like symptoms or conjunctivitis, etc., should wear masks for medical treatment as soon as possible, and take the initiative to inform physicians livestock work history and history of exposure to birds.

Relevant international bird flu epidemic and the related control measures can be found in the council WWW ( http://www.cdc.gov.tw ), or call the national toll-free reporting and caring people dedicated 1922 epidemic, such as the phone can not make simple code phone numbers, please dial 0800-001922 prevention hotline

​
-
-------
 
Re: First Case of Human Infection with Avian Influenza virus A(H6N1) in Taiwan (HK CHP, June 21 2013)

seems that all the HAs can infect humans.

Except maybe H13,H16 which are almost exclusively in gulls
and H17 (in bats)

But most of them, when transferring from birds, need quite some adaptions
to go into humans.
Or only rarer variants with special mutations go into birds.

But in a lab, it should be possible to "design" human viruses,
maybe even with pandemic potential, based on any HA.

We'll be learning how to do that. We are trying to understand.
Because history had shown that knowledge is good ...


Taiwan usually quickly uploads sequences to genbank,
so I assume we will see that H6N1 soon.

It's probably similar to poultry from Taiwan or Eastern China.

---------------------
http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=179212
21 H6N1 from domestic ducks ,Hanoi, 2009
5 in MDCK cells and mice LP in MDCK for Dk/VN/3C8-19/09
all mice survived VN/3C8-1909 had 10% weight loss
VN/3C8-12.09 no weight loss
aa differences:Dk VN/3C8-12.09 aa
161,212, 302,519 in PB2, 190 in PA, 5, 62, 70, 91,286 in HA,
498 in NP, 211,364 in NA, 52 in M2,209,230 in NS1.

no H6N1 from Vietnam at genbank
---------------------------------------
http://jvi.asm.org/content/81/19/10402.full
... pivotal role of the live poultry market system of southern China in generating increased genetic diversity
---------------------------------------------

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3503088/
A/pockmark duck/Guangxi/GXd-5/2010(H6N1) [13,8,12,-,5,-,12,24] {55?65566} 5=muscovy duck,VNM,H5N1

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

The genome sequencing of the virus isolated from the Taiwanese patient's respiratory
specimen most closely resembles the H6N1 virus isolated from locally grown chickens, Chuang said.
"It probably resulted from environmental pollution," Wang said.

Chao Pan-hua, deputy director-general of the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection
and Quarantine, said the agency had collected samples from two poultry farms in the vicinity
of the patient's home, but did not find any sign of the H6N1 virus.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Re: First Case of Human Infection with Avian Influenza virus A(H6N1) in Taiwan (HK CHP, June 21 2013)

[Source: The Standard, full text: (LINK).]

First global human H6N1 case confirmed in Taiwan


A 20-year-old Taiwanese woman has been infected with the H6N1 avian influenza virus. This is the first time that the flu strain has been reported in humans in the world, Taiwan's Department of Health announced today.

(?)

​
-
------
 
Re: First Case of Human Infection with Avian Influenza virus A(H6N1) in Taiwan (HK CHP, June 21 2013)

[Source: Government of Hong Kong PRC SAR, full text: (LINK).]

SFH on human case of avian influenza A(H6N1)


Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, after officiating at a public function this afternoon (June 21):

The Centre for Health Protection has received notification from the health authority of Taiwan regarding the diagnosis of a human case of avian influenza A(H6N1).

This is the first human infection noticed so far.

According to the experts, this particular strain of virus does not have a high degree of virulence among the poultry.

However, the Centre for Health Protection will follow up with the relevant health authority as well as the World Health Organization in an attempt to gather more information about this virus and conduct our own risk assessment.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)


Ends/Friday, June 21, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:13
NNNN
​
- -------
 
Re: First Case of Human Infection with Avian Influenza virus A(H6N1) in Taiwan (HK CHP, June 21 2013)

CFS closely monitors development of avian flu infection in Taiwan


Hong Kong (HKSAR) - Regarding a human case of avian influenza A(H6N1), the CFS has contacted the Taiwan authority over the matter and will maintain close contact with local poultry egg importers, distributors and supermarket retailers. Appropriate actions will also be taken if required to protect public and animal health, a spokesman for the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said today (June 21).

According to the information provided by the Taiwan authority, the patient had no record of travel or poultry exposure before infection. She has recovered and was discharged on May 11.

So far, the CFS has not received any report from Taiwan about poultry infection of avian influenza A(H6).

The spokesman said, "Hong Kong does not import any live poultry or poultry meat from Taiwan, but a small quantity of poultry eggs is imported from Taiwan. The CFS will alert local major poultry egg importers, distributors and supermarket retailers to the incident and remind them to maintain a good recording system in accordance with the requirements of the Food Safety Ordinance to allow source tracing if needed. The CFS will continue to liaise closely with them over the issue."

He added, "The avian influenza antigen detection administered on imported live poultry at the Man Kam To border already covers the detection of A(H6).

So far no imported live poultry has tested positive for A(H6)."

The virus H6N1 in poultry is commonly found as a low pathogenic avian influenza virus. It is not stipulated as a notifiable avian influenza by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

The spokesman reminded the public and employees of food businesses to pay attention to the following points when handling live poultry, poultry products or eggs:

* Wash hands thoroughly with soap or liquid cleanser after handling live poultry, poultry products and eggs;

* Clean thoroughly all the working surfaces, utensils and equipment that have been used for handling the above;

* Wash eggs if they are soiled with faecal matter or stained with dirt. Washed eggs should be cooked immediately;

* Avoid consuming eggs with cracked shell as they are prone to being contaminated;

* Do not use raw or undercooked eggs for preparation of food that will not be cooked further; and

* Do not eat raw eggs or dip cooked food into any mixed sauce of raw eggs.

Cook eggs thoroughly until the white and the yolk become firm.

The CFS will remain vigilant about information on avian influenza A infection issued by Taiwan and the OIE, and appropriate action will be taken whenever necessary in response to the latest developments.


http://7thspace.com/headlines/43986...lopment_of_avian_flu_infection_in_taiwan.html
 
Re: First Case of Human Infection with Avian Influenza virus A(H6N1) in Taiwan (HK CHP, June 21 2013)

10% of contacts with ILI in May

Taiwan flu-surveillance stopped in week 12
 
Re: First Case of Human Infection with Avian Influenza virus A(H6N1) in Taiwan (HK CHP, June 21 2013)

H6 is not a notifiable avian influenza virus (NAIV) as per international OIE regulation, so that poultry farmers may not have to report it to authorities or even to test animals for its presence.

In fact:

[Source: OIE, full page: (LINK). Extract.]
(?)

Chapter 10.4.

Infection with viruses of notifiable avian influenza

Article 10.4.1.

General provisions
​
  1. Highly pathogenic avian influenza in birds and low pathogenicity notifiable avian influenza in poultry, as defined below, should be notified in accordance with the Terrestrial Code.

  2. For the purposes of the Terrestrial Code, notifiable avian influenza (NAI) is defined as an infection of poultry caused by any influenza A virus of the H5 or H7 subtypes or by any AI virus with an intravenous pathogenicity index (IVPI) greater than 1.2 (or as an alternative at least 75 percent mortality) as described below. NAI viruses can be divided into highly pathogenic notifiable avian influenza (HPNAI) and low pathogenicity notifiable avian influenza (LPNAI):
    1. HPNAI viruses have an IVPI in six-week-old chickens greater than 1.2 or, as an alternative, cause at least 75 percent mortality in four-to eight-week-old chickens infected intravenously. H5 and H7 viruses which do not have an IVPI of greater than 1.2 or cause less than 75 percent mortality in an intravenous lethality test should be sequenced to determine whether multiple basic amino acids are present at the cleavage site of the haemagglutinin molecule (HA0); if the amino acid motif is similar to that observed for other HPNAI isolates, the isolate being tested should be considered as HPNAI;
    2. LPNAI are all influenza A viruses of H5 and H7 subtype that are not HPNAI viruses.

  3. Poultry is defined as ?all domesticated birds, including backyard poultry, used for the production of meat or eggs for consumption, for the production of other commercial products, for restocking supplies of game, or for breeding these categories of birds, as well as fighting cocks used for any purpose?. Birds that are kept in captivity for any reason other than those reasons referred to in the preceding paragraph, including those that are kept for shows, races, exhibitions, competitions or for breeding or selling these categories of birds as well as pet birds, are not considered to be poultry.
  4. For the purposes of the Terrestrial Code, the incubation period for NAI shall be 21 days.
  5. This chapter deals not only with the occurrence of clinical signs caused by NAI virus, but also with the presence of infection with NAI virus in the absence of clinical signs.
  6. Antibodies to H5 or H7 subtype of NAI virus, which have been detected in poultry and are not a consequence of vaccination, have to be immediately investigated. In the case of isolated serological positive results, NAI infection may be ruled out on the basis of a thorough epidemiological and laboratory investigation that does not demonstrate further evidence of NAI infection.

  7. The following defines the occurrence of infection with NAI virus:
    1. HPNAI virus has been isolated and identified as such or viral RNA specific for HPNAI has been detected in poultry or a product derived from poultry; or
    2. LPNAI virus has been isolated and identified as such or viral RNA specific for LPNAI has been detected in poultry or a product derived from poultry.
  8. For the purposes of the Terrestrial Code, ?NAI free establishment? means an establishment in which the poultry have shown no evidence of NAI infection, based on surveillance in accordance with Articles 10.4.27. to 10.4.33.
  9. Standards for diagnostic tests, including pathogenicity testing, are described in the Terrestrial Manual. Any vaccine used should comply with the standards described in the Terrestrial Manual.
  10. A Member should not impose immediate bans on the trade in poultrycommodities in response to a notification, according to Article 1.1.3. of the Terrestrial Code, of infection with HPAI and LPAI virus in birds other than poultry, including wild birds.
(?)

- ------
 
Re: First Case of Human Infection with Avian Influenza virus A(H6N1) in Taiwan (HK CHP, June 21 2013)

[Source: Ifeng, full text in Chinese: (LINK). Automatic translation.]

H6N1, China: Ministry of Health is following closely Taiwan situation

At 13:01 on June 22, 2013 Source: Legal Evening News


(Reporter Wang Tingting) National Health and Family Planning Commission official microblogging morning briefing, Taiwan identified a young woman infected with H6N1 avian influenza virus, which is the world's first discovery of human infection with the virus.

National guard Planning Commission said that at present China's mainland have not found such cases. Widespread presence of H6N1 in poultry, pathogenicity and transmissibility are relatively low, we do not panic.

But Wei Planning Commission also said that since this is the first time in humans have yet to find source of infection, they will be closely watched.

According to Taiwan media reports, the world's first Nantou appear H6N1 avian influenza virus human infections. Young female patient was 20 years old, has never been away from the station, and no history of exposure to birds, early onset, isolated specimens H6N1 virus. 34 patients were not detected in close contact with H6N1 avian influenza virus.

​
-
------
 
Re: First Case of Human Infection with Avian Influenza virus A(H6N1) in Taiwan (HK CHP, June 21 2013)

[Source: Ifeng, full text in Chinese: (LINK). Automatic translation.]

H6N1, Taiwan: Experts puzzled by variant birdflu virus infection

At 8:08 on June 22, 2013

Source: Huaxia Jingwei Website


Huaxia Jingwei Website June 22 news: According to Taiwan media reports, Taiwan, "Health Department" CDC released the world's first case of human infection with the H6N1 avian influenza. Experts warned to be more careful, more alert, "COA" control policies for poultry to rethink, or viruses swap genes with each other, it could lead to severe or massive infection.

National Taiwan University College of Veterinary Medicine Professor Emeritus Lai, Spike said, H6N1 is the birds, especially chickens him very popular low pathogenic virus; But in humans for the first time found that "quite serious" and "incredible thing", show the original the body of the H6N1 virus in birds, may have mutated, disease control units must not be taken lightly and should be carefully compared to humans and chickens H6N1 virus gene sequences.

As for the "Council of Agriculture" has repeatedly insisted that the world's first case of avian influenza H6N1, avian-human transmission should not. National Taiwan University Hospital Children's Li-Min Huang, director of infection even ask, "is not a descendant of birds, is it person to person?."

"CDC" respiratory specimens from patients with isolated virus in patient sera tested twice H6N1 antibodies; and the exclusion of the other 23 kinds of respiratory coronavirus, clinically to confirm that H6N1 infections it.

Li-Min Huang said, "COA" can not be too optimistic, otherwise continue after the virus mutated gene exchange, it could lead to severe cases and massive infection.

"COA" control measures to rethink how the public health and strike a balance between economic development.

​
-
-------
 
Re: First Case of Human Infection with Avian Influenza virus A(H6N1) in Taiwan (HK CHP, June 21 2013)

Published Date: 2013-06-21 21:57:03
Subject: PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza, human (86): Taiwan, H6N1
Archive Number: 20130621.1785829

AVIAN INFLUENZA, HUMAN (86): TAIWAN, H6N1
*****************************************
A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org

Date: Sat 21 Jun 2013
Source: Taiwan Centers for Disease Control [edited]
http://www.cdc.gov.tw/english/info....wtreeid=EE0A2987CFBA3222&tid=E36A5E9AB3D3A216


On 20 May 2013, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) received a report from a hospital concerning a case of human infection with unsubtypable influenza A virus in a 20-year-old female presenting with mild pneumonia who resides in central Taiwan. The virus isolated from the respiratory specimen from the case was then submitted to Taiwan CDC for further identification. After conducting whole genome sequencing, the National Influenza Center (NIC) at Taiwan CDC identified the virus to be a novel avian-origin influenza A (H6N1) virus. A total of 36 close contacts of the case have been traced for follow-up. Four of them experienced influenza-like illness symptoms, but none of them has been found to be infected with influenza A (H6N1) virus. Taiwan CDC continues to closely monitor influenza activity and advises the public to seek immediate medical attention when experiencing any influenza-like illness with respiratory distress.

According to the epidemiological investigation, the case works at a breakfast shop. She has not traveled out of the country and has not been exposed to any poultry or birds. On [5 May 2013], she developed symptoms, including fever, cough, headache and muscle ache. On [8 May 2013], when her fever persisted and she developed shortness of breath, she sought medical attention at a hospital and was hospitalized for treatment. Her chest X-ray showed mild pneumonia. After administering Oseltamivir, her symptoms improved the next day. On [11 May 2013], she was discharged from the hospital. As of now, she has fully recovered.

Influenza A (H6N1) virus was isolated from the respiratory specimen collected from the case on [7 May 2013]. The case was found to have an antibody titer of 1:20 in the serum specimen collected on [24 May 2013]. Another serum specimen was collected from the case on [8 Jun 2013], and the antibody titer in this specimen was found to be 1:40. Besides testing the respiratory specimen collected from the case for influenza viruses, the NIC also tested the specimen for 23 other common respiratory viruses such as adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, coronavirus, enterovirus and rhinovirus, and the specimen tested negative for all these viruses. The agricultural authority has collected specimens from the poultry from the 2 poultry farms located within the one-km perimeter of the case's residence. No avian influenza A (H6N1) virus has been detected in any of the specimens.

Beginning in 1999, besides testing specimens from patients with notifiable infectious diseases such as influenza-related complications, Taiwan CDC regularly collects specimens from patients with influenza-like illness in the community and hospitalized patients with pneumonia of unknown origin to test for influenza viruses and systematically monitors domestic influenza virus activity and the actual clinical situation (patient visits for influenza-like illness). Each year, on average, approximately 10 000 to 20 000 specimens have been tested. As of now, a cumulative total of 250 000 specimens have been tested. 86 000 influenza virus strains have been isolated and identified from the specimens. Besides this H6N1 strain and the imported H7N9 strain detected in 2013, no other non-H1/H3 subtypes of influenza A viruses have been detected in humans in Taiwan.

An expert meeting attended by the agricultural authority and related medical experts and veterinary experts was convened to discuss the case. Based on the results of the epidemiological investigation, the case presenting with mild pneumonia is a sporadic case, and testing of the close contacts of the cases has not yielded any evidence of human-to-human transmission of this virus in the community. Both the health and agricultural authorities will continue to reinforce avian influenza surveillance in humans, poultry and the environment.

Avian influenza A (H6N1) virus is a low-pathogenic avian influenza virus commonly circulating in the domestic bird population, and the virus had not been previously detected in humans. The genome sequence of the virus isolated from the case is found to be of avian-origin and closely resembles avian influenza A (H6N1) virus in domestic poultry. The virus is also sensitive to influenza antivirals, including Oseltamivir and Zanamivir, according to the sequencing data.

To prevent avian-to-human transmission of avian influenza infections, poultry vendors are advised to take personal precautions and the general public to avoid unnecessary direct contact with poultry and birds or their droppings. In addition, the public is also advised to practice good personal hygiene such as washing hands frequently and consuming only thoroughly cooked poultry and eggs to reduce the risk of infection.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[This report describes a single mild case of pneumonia attributable to infection with avian A/H6N1 influenza virus, a low-pathogenic avian influenza virus commonly circulating in the domestic bird population of Taiwan and not previously detected in humans. The patient had no involvement with poultry, and none of her contacts showed evidence of H6N1 virus infection. No other respiratory viruses appeared to be co-factors. Furthermore, none of 86 000 influenza virus strains that had been isolated and characterised previously by the Taiwan CDC had been identified as avian A/H6N1 influenza virus, and other than this H6N1 strain and the H7N9 virus imported from China in 2013, no other non-H1/H3 subtypes influenza A viruses have been detected in humans in Taiwan.

This case appears to be a unique event and not the precursor to an incipient epidemic. Curiously, the patient displayed a rather poor immune response to infection, and if she had not been not treated with oseltamivir at an early stage, the outcome might have been more severe. The poor immune response may have been a factor also in the victim's susceptibility to H6N1 virus infection.

A significant feature of this report is that the H6N1 isolate was characterised by whole genome analysis, which excludes any ambiguities and may, in the longer, term facilitate identification of genetic factors relevant in host switching.

The Taiwan CDC is to be commended for the thoroughness of this analysis. - Mod.CP


http://beta.promedmail.org/direct.php?id=20130621.1785829
 
Re: First Case of Human Infection with Avian Influenza virus A(H6N1) in Taiwan (HK CHP, June 21 2013)

Source: RTHK, full page in Chinese: http://rthk.hk/rthk/news/expressnews/20130622/news_20130622_55_930314.htm - Automatic translation.

KO believe H6N1 virus or reorganization has occurred

2013-06-22 HKT 16:45


Taiwan's first case of human infection with the H6N1 global emergence of avian influenza cases in Hong Kong, the Secretary for Food and Health Ko Wing-man, said the virus genome is awaiting results of the analysis, I believe that the virus may have been restructuring, but was unable to determine whether there is a better chance of human to human transmission .

Ko Wing Man, said that Hong Kong AFCD and FEHD never found in routine surveillance of poultry or wild birds with H6N1 virus, but in Wetland Park and the University of surveillance, you have found a small amount of the virus, the SAR Government will continue with the relevant departments in Taiwan and the WHO links.

Ko Wing Man asked whether Hong Kong should stop portal Taiwan eggs that Taiwan belongs to the low proportion of imported eggs. The Administration will strengthen environmental monitoring for H7N9 virus SARS epidemic and the new measures also apply to H6N1.


-
--------
 
Re: First Case of Human Infection with Avian Influenza virus A(H6N1) in Taiwan (HK CHP, June 21 2013)

Source: RTHK, full page in Chinese: http://rthk.hk/rthk/news/expressnews/20130622/news_20130622_55_930327.htm _ Automatic translation.


Ko Wing-man claimed to have found in the stool samples of wild birds H6N1 virus

2013-06-22 HKT twenty-nine past six p.m.


Taiwan found its first case of human infection with H6N1 cases, the Secretary for Food and Health Ko Wing-man said that, it is not for the H6N1 virus from person to person the possibility of a conclusion, but I believe the virus has appeared reorganization, will infect humans, need to be analyzed viral genes.

Ko Wing-man said, Hong Kong has been found in the stool samples of wild birds H6N1 virus.

-
-------
 
Re: First Case of Human Infection with Avian Influenza virus A(H6N1) in Taiwan (HK CHP, June 21 2013)

Source: RTHK, http://rthk.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/20130622/news_20130622_56_930315.htm


Health Sec voices H6N1 concern


22-06-2013


The Secretary for Health, Ko Wing-man, says he is highly concerned about the first human case of the H6N1 avian flu virus which was reported to have been discovered in Taiwan last month.

Dr Ko said tests were being conducted to find out if the virus had mutated to become more of a threat to humans.

But he said he believed the strain had a low human-to-human transmission capability because there had been only one isolated infection so far.


-
-------
 
Re: First Case of Human Infection with Avian Influenza virus A(H6N1) in Taiwan (HK CHP, June 21 2013)

H6N1 Coverage
at
GISAID​

A total of 439 H6N1 isolates are on file at GISAID as of 2013-06-22.

However, none of those are contemporary and the most current is errantly annotated.

In fact, the most recent sample at GISAID (domestic anas, September 2011) is annotated as H6N6 at the GenBank source dated 2012-03-23 [AB704721.1] and at the replacement dated 2012-04-24 [AB704721.2], but appears to carry an experimental Neuraminidase from a potential lab escape / vaccine contamination event (WS1933 H1N1). Neither the quantity, nor the quality of H6N1 data is sufficient to accurately evaluate present concerns surrounding this first detection of human infection.

2013 . . . . 00 Sequences
2012 . . . . 00 Sequences
2011 . . . . 02 Sequences
2010 . . . . 24 Sequences
2009 . . . . 35 Sequences
2008 . . . . 80 Sequences
2007 . . . . 56 Sequences
2006 . . . . 31 Sequences
2005 . . . . 25 Sequences
2004 . . . . 45 Sequences
2003 . . . . 25 Sequences
2002 . . . . 31 Sequences
2001 . . . . 16 Sequences
2000 . . . . 21 Sequences
1999 . . . . 15 Sequences
1998 . . . . 02 Sequences
1997 . . . . 03 Sequences
1996 . . . . 01 Sequence
1995 to 1968
. . . . . . . .27 Sequences


2013 has been an inauspicious half year so far for the Influenza science community.

The public has witnessed two human emergences without prediction and without viable experimental foundation / data framework from the public health leaders in whom they have placed their trust. First, the leading organisations and labs are caught unaware in March by the 28% CFR H7N9 while having less than 30 sequences on file (very limited geographic and species variation). And now this detection of H6N1 human infection lands on not-so-solid ground beside a yawning chasm of 21 months before finding a single sequence on file for any species in any country.

As the most recent H6N1 sequence is suspect, proceeding to the next group provides the oversized research bed of one more sequence (August 2011) to complete the entire 2011 sample set. For 2010, 24 sequences are on file with 64% of those (16) from a single continent and a single depositing group. That consortium's recent efforts were primarily deposited in 2013 and all 16 sequences were deposited in the last 13 months. We are quite grateful for the persistence of the NIAID Influenza Genome Sequencing Project members who have accelerated sequence deposits from many serotypes over the past 6 months.

Nevertheless, for H6N1 we must peruse 5.5 calendar years before tallying the beginning of a statistically significant population.
 
Re: First Case of Human Infection with Avian Influenza virus A(H6N1) in Taiwan (HK CHP, June 21 2013)

[Source: Ifeng, full page: (LINK). Automatic translation from Chinese.]

H6N1, Hong Kong: Genetic sequencing ongoing of virus isolated from environment

At 10:21 on June 23, 2013 Source: China News Network


BEIJING, June 23 (Xinhua) According to Hong Kong's Wen Wei Po reported that Taiwan recently found its first case of human infection of H6N1 cases in Hong Kong Secretary for Food and Health Ko Wing-man said that although this virus from person to person and are less deadly, but it is believed the virus or there are restructuring, it is uncertain whether there will be a better chance of human to human transmission, because the virus has not yet completed the genetic decoding, the authorities will closely monitor.

Hong Kong AFCD and the department on the H6N1 virus has been previously regular monitoring, Ko Wing Man refers, in the past has never been found in the routine surveillance of poultry or wild birds with H6N1 virus in wild birds in wetland stool samples, and the dead wild bird samples have been found H6N1 virus.

KO appeal should maintain personal hygiene, avoid contact with birds, after the trip if you feel unwell, seek medical advice.

When asked whether Hong Kong should stop portal Taiwan eggs, Ko Wing Man said that Taiwan is a low proportion of imported eggs. The Administration will strengthen environmental monitoring for H7N9 virus SARS epidemic and the new measures also apply to H6N1.

​
-
------
 
Re: First Case of Human Infection with Avian Influenza virus A(H6N1) in Taiwan (HK CHP, June 21 2013)

Availability
of
Human H6N1 Sequence​

Communications posted at the start of this thread suggest that public health authorities have completed sequencing and have analysed those sequences against the avian database and against anti-viral resistance markers.

Post #2
. . . DNA sequencing was carried H6N1 influenza virus.
Click to expand...

May 7 were collected from patients' respiratory specimens isolated H6N1 virus . . .
Click to expand...

The patients are separated by a viral gene sequences are shown in the case of avian origin, and the local poultry H6N1 strain of the virus most closely on Tamiflu and other antiviral drugs Relenza sensitive.
Click to expand...

45 days is adequate lead-time to publish one sequence.
 
Re: First Case of Human Infection with Avian Influenza virus A(H6N1) in Taiwan (HK CHP, June 21 2013)

H6N1 avian influenza virus to be analyzed: official

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Following the first reported case of human infection with the H6N1 avian influenza, any detection of the avian influenza virus with H6 suptypes will be analyzed in order to help researchers understand possible mutations of the virus, according to the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine yesterday.

The bureau already has a monitoring system that systematically tests animals that are more likely to be infected by the avian influenza virus, including migrant birds and poultry. At least 25,000 tests are conducted every year, according to the bureau.

In addition, the current monitoring system has screening in place for the H6 subtype of the avian influenza virus, the bureau said.

...


http://www.chinapost.com.tw/health/cold-&-flu/2013/06/24/381956/H6N1-avian.htm
 
Re: First Case of Human Infection with Avian Influenza virus A(H6N1) in Taiwan (HK CHP, June 21 2013)

plus the (secret) reassortment (and passaging) tests in
mice,gunine pigs,ferrets,chickens,swine,ducks,,,

afaik this H6 has not been tested for reassortments yet

it greatly enhances our chances to find a new virus with pandemic potential

we might just add these mutations that we saw in H7N9
to increase H6N1 transmissibility and virulence
 
Re: First Case of Human Infection with Avian Influenza virus A(H6N1) in Taiwan (HK CHP, June 21 2013)

seems that this evolves separately in Taiwan chickens since >13 years
no mixing with H5N1 in the last ~20 years

0 0 2280 1 >A/chicken/Taiwan/CF18/2009,2009/06/19,Taiwan,H6N1 [18,11,18,-,11,-,13,25]

Code: 
----------segment 1------------- 
 280   64 2280 3797 >A/chicken/Taiwan/1209/2003,2003//,H5N2
 285   65 2280 3798 >A/chicken/Taiwan/A703-1/2008,2008//,H5N2
 293   67 2280  962 >A/chicken/Taiwan/0305/04,2004//,H6N1
 293   67 2280  967 >A/chicken/Taiwan/A342/05,2005//,H6N1
----------segment 2------------- 
 285   65 2274  928 >A/chicken/Taiwan/PF3/02,2002//,H6N1
 312   71 2274  939 >A/chicken/Taiwan/0305/04,2004//,H6N1
 325   74 2274  944 >A/chicken/Taiwan/A342/05,2005//,H6N1
----------segment 3------------- 
 199   43 2151 3655 >A/chicken/Taiwan/A703-1/2008,2008//,H5N2
 292   63 2151  894 >A/chicken/Taiwan/0706/03,2003//,H6N1
 311   67 2151  882 >A/chicken/Taiwan/1212/01,2001//,H6N1
----------segment 4------------- 
   5    1 1676   42 >A/chicken/Taiwan/TC147/2010,2010/12/14,Taiwan,611,KGDAFIFE,5638,99,1268,17,11,19,11,13,25,096,611
  23    4 1676   41 >A/chicken/Taiwan/TC128/2010,2010/12/14,Taiwan,611,KGDAFIFE,5633,99,1267,18,12,19,11,13,26,099,611
 411   69 1676   37 >A/chicken/Taiwan/PF1/02,2002//,Taiwan,611,KGDAFIFE,5594,99,1263,14,05,12,03,06,12,052,611
 411   69 1676   55 >A/duck/Taiwan/WB239/03,2003//,Taiwan,611,KGDAFIFE,5591,99,1869,16,07,11,03,06,14,057,611
----------segment 5------------- 
 160   24 1497 3721 >A/chicken/Taiwan/A703-1/2008,2008//,H5N2
 187   28 1497 3720 >A/chicken/Taiwan/1209/2003,2003//,H5N2
...
 427   64 1497 1104 >A/partridge/Taiwan/LU1/99,1999//,H6N1
 477   28  586  194 >A/chicken/Nanchang/4-010/2000,2000//,H9N2
----------segment 6------------- 
 336   46 1368 1321 >A/chicken/Taiwan/0222/02,2002//,H6N1
 343   47 1368 1340 >A/chicken/Taiwan/A342/05,2005//,H6N1
 350   48 1368 1325 >A/chicken/Taiwan/0320/02,2002//,H6N1
----------segment 7------------- 
 285   28  982 4096 >A/chicken/Taiwan/1209/2003,2003//,H5N2
 295   29  982 1397 >A/chicken/Taiwan/1203/03,2003//,H6N1
 305   30  982 1401 >A/chicken/Taiwan/0305/04,2004//,H6N1
----------segment 8------------- 
 202   17  838 3383 >A/chicken/Taiwan/A703-1/2008,2008//,H5N2
 214   18  838 1060 >A/chicken/Taiwan/A342/05,2005//,H6N1
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom