WHO advises on the possibility of transmission of influenza A/H5N8 from chickens to humans

FAO and WHO in Vietnam recommend that poultry farmers need to strengthen biosecurity measures in production areas to minimize the risk of virus entry.

Information from the Ministry of Health on the afternoon of March 3 said that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in Vietnam issued a press release calling on the Government to Vietnam and the community are wary of the possibility of infecting people with influenza A (H5N8) when it was discovered that 7 workers at a chicken farm in Russia were infected with influenza A (H5N8) virus.

Accordingly, this is the first report of avian-to-human transmission of H5N8, although the virus has been circulating in poultry and wild birds since 2016. All seven human cases have been asymptomatic. To date, there is no evidence that the virus causes severe disease in humans or is transmitted from person to person, so these cases are transmitted to humans by infected poultry.

“Technically, the H5N8 virus shares the same antigenic characteristics with the H5N6 virus circulating in Vietnam, so the current avian influenza vaccine used in Vietnam continues to be effective,” said Dr. Pawin. Padungtod, Senior Technical Coordinator, FAO Viet Nam.

FAO and WHO Viet Nam recommend that poultry farmers strengthen biosecurity measures in their production areas to minimize the risk of virus entry; strictly follow the vaccination schedule and ensure good nutrition for poultry health; Report unusual deaths of poultry to the village head or local veterinary authority and do not allow visitors to the breeding area.

Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling poultry; use separate footwear provided by poultry farms when you need to enter the breeding area; always wash your shoes when you leave the poultry market; thoroughly cook food, especially meat, poultry and eggs; Wash and sanitize all surfaces and utensils used to prepare food.

If you have been in contact with potentially infected poultry, contact your nearest health facility if you have respiratory symptoms. Immediately report any unusually sick or dead poultry to the local veterinary authority.

Although the risk of human transmission of avian influenza A (H5N8) virus in Vietnam is very low, we must remain vigilant and continue to take personal protective measures to prevent avian influenza. hold