loading page

First Human Infection of Avian Influenza A(H5N6) Virus Reported in Lao People’s Democratic Republic, February-March 2021
  • +15
  • Bounthanom Sengkeopraseuth,
  • Kim Co,
  • Phetdavanh Leuangvilay,
  • Joshua Mott,
  • Bounyasith Khongsamphanh,
  • Virasack Som Oulay,
  • Reiko Tsuyuoka,
  • May Chiew,
  • Pakapak Ketmayoon,
  • Joyce Jones,
  • Elizabeth Pusch,
  • Yunho Jang,
  • John Barnes,
  • C. Todd Davis,
  • Phouvong Phommachanh,
  • Bouaphanh Khamphaphongphane,
  • Sonja Olsen,
  • Phonepadith Xangsayarath
Bounthanom Sengkeopraseuth
Ministry of Health

Corresponding Author:sengkeopraseuth@yahoo.com

Author Profile
Kim Co
World Health Organization
Author Profile
Phetdavanh Leuangvilay
World Health Organization
Author Profile
Joshua Mott
CDC
Author Profile
Bounyasith Khongsamphanh
Luang Prabang Provincial Health Department
Author Profile
Virasack Som Oulay
Ministry of Health
Author Profile
Reiko Tsuyuoka
World Health Organization
Author Profile
May Chiew
World Health Organization
Author Profile
Pakapak Ketmayoon
World Health Organization
Author Profile
Joyce Jones
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Author Profile
Elizabeth Pusch
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Author Profile
Yunho Jang
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Author Profile
John Barnes
CDC
Author Profile
C. Todd Davis
CDC
Author Profile
Phouvong Phommachanh
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Author Profile
Bouaphanh Khamphaphongphane
Ministry of Health
Author Profile
Sonja Olsen
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Author Profile
Phonepadith Xangsayarath
National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology
Author Profile

Abstract

In March 2021, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos) reported an avian influenza A(H5N6) virus infection in a 5-year-old child identified through sentinel surveillance. This was the first human A(H5N6) infection reported outside of China. A multidisciplinary investigation undertook contact tracing and enhanced human and animal surveillance in surrounding villages and live bird markets. Seven Muscovy ducks tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N6) viruses. Sequenced viruses belonged to clade 2.3.4.4h and were closely related to viruses detected in poultry in Vietnam, and to previous viruses detected in Laos. Surveillance and coordinated outbreak response remain essential to global health security.
19 Oct 2021Submitted to Influenza and other respiratory viruses
20 Oct 2021Submission Checks Completed
20 Oct 2021Assigned to Editor
24 Oct 2021Editorial Decision: Accept
Mar 2022Published in Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses volume 16 issue 2 on pages 181-185. 10.1111/irv.12934