Why are scientists concerned about the H5N1 flu virus?
Why are scientists concerned about the H5N1 flu virus?
In addition, because these viruses can cause such severe illness in people, scientists are especially concerned that this type of influenza could one day mutate so it spreads easily between people and causes a very serious influenza pandemic.
Can H5N1 cause a pandemic?
Since then a large number of outbreaks have been reported in different parts of the world. In fact, the spread of avian influenza H5N1 in various species including humans has lead to a current pandemic threat.
How did Hong Kong stop the H5N1 flu virus?
Fortunately, the H5N1 virus transmitted to humans in 1997 did not develop the capacity for human-to-human transmission. The outbreak was contained and the source of infection was eliminated by the decisive slaughter of more than 1.5 million birds in the Hong Kong poultry markets.
What is the percentage mortality for humans infected by the H5N1 influenza virus?
Human cases of H5N1 avian influenza occur occasionally, but it is difficult to transmit the infection from person to person. When people do become infected, the mortality rate is about 60%.
Is there a vaccine for H5N1 virus?
Influenza A (H5N1) vaccine is used for active immunization to prevent disease caused by the influenza A virus H5N1 subtype in patients over 6 months of age at increased risk of exposure. Influenza A (H5N1) vaccine is available under the following different brand names: Audenz.
What kind of virus is H5N1?
H5N1 is a highly pathogenic avian (bird) flu virus that has caused serious outbreaks in domestic poultry in parts of Asia and the Middle East. Since its widespread re-emergence in 2003, rare, sporadic human infections with this virus have been reported in Asia, and later in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
How was the 1997 H5N1 outbreak stopped in Hong Kong?
The outbreak was halted by a territory-wide slaughter of more than 1.5 million chickens at the end of December 1997.
Who makes H5N1 vaccine?
This vaccine is derived from the A/Vietnam/1203/2004 influenza virus. The vaccine is manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur Inc. of Swiftwater, PA and has been purchased by the federal government for inclusion within the Nation’s National Stockpile.
What is H5N1 stand for?
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus A(H5N1) HPAIV A(H5N1) is highly infectious for a number of bird species, including most species of domestic poultry [1].
How many have died from H5N1?
By early 2006, WHO had linked 78 deaths to the virus out of 147 reported cases of H5N1 bird flu in humans….Death Estimates For Major Flu Pandemics of the 20th Century.
| Year | Worldwide | United States |
|---|---|---|
| 1968-1969 | 1,000,000 | 40,000 |
How many cases of H5N1 are there?
Since 2003 to 31 March 2022, a total of 864 cases and 456 deaths of influenza A(H5N1) human infection have been reported worldwide from 18 countries, however, this is the first reported case in the United States of America.
Does flu vaccine protect against H5N1?
No, current annual influenza vaccines include influenza viruses to protect against A subtypes H1N1 and H3N2 and B viruses. A vaccine made from these viruses would not provide protection against a different influenza A subtype virus (such as H5N1).
Is coronavirus A H5N1?
Avian influenza A (H5N1) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus are infections that cause a severe viral pneumonia leading to acute respiratory dysfunction syndrome and carry a high case-fatality rate.
How many people died H5N1?
Cumulative Number of Confirmed Human Cases* of Avian Influenza A (H5N1)
| Countries with confirmed cases | Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | Cases | 93 |
| Total | Deaths | 78 |
| Cases | 147 |
Who makes h5n1 vaccine?