Avian influenza: risk to human health and the need for an effective government policy

Abstract

Since 1997, outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have increased in frequency and severity. In December 2003, an outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza occurred in poultry in eight Asian countries. Vietnam and Thailand also reported human infection due to H5H1 avian influenza virus. Outbreaks of avian influenza (flu) among poultry continue and Thailand has reported human mortality in a second wave of human avian influenza in the year 2004. The main presenting features of avian influenza H5N1 in humans are fever, pneumonitis, lymphopenia and diarrhoea. Notably coryza, sore throat and conjunctivitis were absent. H5N1 strains are sensitive to neuraminidase inhibitors which can be used for treatment and prophylaxis. India has been lucky so far, but with emerging infectious diseases, what can be predicted is that the unpredictable will happen and with a population exceeding one billion, the impact will be disastrous. The mortality rate of H5H1 avian influenza has been greater than 70% so far. The need of the hour is to have a proactive National Pandemic Influenza Respone and Preparedness Plan which should outline a coordinated national strategy to prepare for and respond to an influenza pandemic which is probably imminent. How prepared are we to handle it, is the question that all nations must ask themselves. This article summarises the current knowledge about this emerging infectious disease, the current global situation and the surveillance and diagnostic recommendations.