The world’s second human H5N6 infection has recently been confirmed in Guangdong Province, China. The case is currently in critical condition. The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) will continue to closely follow the case. Both the first and second human H5N6 infections are sporadic cases. Thus far, there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission of the virus. Travelers visiting China are urged to practice good personal hygiene and avoid contact with poultry and birds to ward off infection.

On December 23, 2014, the China Health and Family Planning Commission confirmed one case of human infection with influenza A(H7N9) in a 58-year-old male who resides in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province. The case has history of potential medical conditions. On December 4, he developed fever and chills. On December 9, he sought medical attention and was detected with avian influenza A (H5N6) virus as he suffered from severe case of pneumonia. The case is currently in critical condition. As of now, the 5 close contacts of the case have not developed symptoms. Taiwan CDC has issued a travel notice of Level 2: Alert for avian influenza to Guangdong Province.

To date, a cumulative total of 2 human infections with H5N6 virus have been reported worldwide. The first case was reported in Sichuan Province, China in the end of April and the case who died of severe case of pneumonia had contact with dead poultry prior to illness onset. The two known human H5N6 infections are sporadic cases and there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission of the virus. According to China’s report on virus surveillance in birds, specimens tested positive for the H5N6 virus have been collected from birds, poultry and the environment in Sichuan Province, Guangdong Province, Fujian Province, Hunan Province, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guizhou Province, Hubei Province, Zhejiang Province, Hebei Province, Heilongjiang Province, Anhui Province, Chongqing City, the Tibet Autonomous Region, and Yunan Province.

Taiwan CDC reminds travelers visiting China to take preventive measures such as avoiding visiting live poultry market and live bird market, avoiding direct contact with poultry and birds or their droppings, consuming only thoroughly cooked poultry and eggs, and washing hands frequently to prevent infection. If fever or influenza-like symptoms develops after returning to Taiwan, please put on a mask and seek immediate medical attention. Moreover, please inform the physician of the contact and travel history to facilitate diagnosis and treatment. For more information on dengue fever, please visit the Taiwan CDC’s website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline, 1922, or 0800-001922.