H3N2 and H10N5 mixed infection found in Zhejiang: isolated, low human transmission risk
Global Times
By Global Times Published: Jan 31, 2024 10:42 PM
The National Disease Control and Prevention Administration reported its discovery of a case involving a mixed infection of H3N2 and H10N5 in East China's Zhejiang Province, local media reported on Wednesday.
The patient, a 63-year-old woman from Xuancheng, East China's Anhui, had a history of various underlying health conditions, per the official report of the case the administration released on Tuesday.
The onset of symptoms occurred on November 30, 2023, with the patient experiencing cough, sore throat, and fever. As her condition worsened, she was admitted to a local medical facility on December 2, 2023.
Later, on December 7, 2023 she was transferred to a medical facility in Zhejiang Province, where she was hospitalized, before the patient, unfortunately, succumbed to the severe condition on December 16, 2023, according to the notice.
During a retrospective study of the deceased case, Zhejiang Province successfully isolated both the seasonal H3N2 subtype and avian H10N5 subtype influenza viruses from the patient's specimens on January 22, 2024.
Subsequent retesting by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention on January 26 confirmed the earlier findings.
Both Zhejiang and Anhui provinces have conducted medical observations on all close contacts of the patient.
No abnormal conditions were detected, and all nucleic acid screenings were negative. Retrospective case searches during the same period did not reveal any suspicious cases.
The National Disease Control and Prevention Administration has guided Zhejiang and Anhui provinces in implementing prevention and control measures according to relevant protocols.
Expert assessments based on the full genetic analysis of the viruses indicate that the H10N5 virus is of avian origin and lacks effective human infectivity. The current situation is considered an isolated incident of cross-species transmission from birds to humans, with a low risk of human-to-human transmission.
Experts recommend that the public avoid contact with sick or dead poultry, minimize direct contact with live birds, and pay attention to food hygiene. Additionally, individuals should enhance their awareness of self-protection and, if experiencing fever or respiratory symptoms, wear masks and seek medical attention promptly.
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