China: H5N1 Avian Influenza

According to China’s Ministry of Health, 1 confirmed case of human infection with H5N1 avian influenza has been reported from Shenzhen, Guangdong Province (north of Hong Kong) since December 2011. This is the first human case in China in 18 months despite an ongoing poultry reservoir. Since 2005, 40 cases of human infection with H5N1 avian influenza, including 26 fatalities, have been confirmed in China. Intensive worldwide surveillance since 2003 shows that human-to-human transmission does not occur with any known current strains. Despite poultry reservoirs in many countries, fewer than 600 human cases have ever occurred. See the avian influenza statement on the Travax country page for more information.