The management of highly pathogenic influenza h5n1 virus with possible interhuman transmission
Abstract
Background: Avian influenza is an infectious disease of birds caused by A strain of the influenza virus. Some strains are highly contagious causing rapidly a fatal disease in poultry. The strains are known as HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza). Until year 1997, direct transmission of HPAI to humans was not known. During the last large outbreak of HPAI H5N1 in South-East Asia in 2004, the virus was transmitted to relatively low number of humans with a high mortality rate. The measures were taken to contain the outbreak of HPAI H5N1 in South-East Asia. However, there is a possibility that the disease might spread to other parts of the world. There is also a certain degree of concern regarding more intensified spread from birds to humans and frequent interhuman transmission.
Conclusions: In our paper, we present the recommended infectious control precautions in health care facilities with possible or confirmed case of HPAI H5N1, control measures in case of outbreak of HPAI in poultry in Slovenia and recommendations for travellers to the affected areas.
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