TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan Health Minister Shih Chung-liang (石崇良) said Sunday there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission following the world’s first reported human death from the H5N5 avian influenza virus in the US.
Speaking to reporters before attending a Pharmaceutical Association of Taiwan symposium, Shih said US health authorities confirmed the first known case of H5N5 avian-to-human infection, which may involve a newly recombined strain. As a precaution, he urged the public to avoid contact with birds, especially during the winter migratory season, per CNA.
Health officials in Washington state said Friday that an elderly patient with chronic illnesses died after contracting the rare H5N5 strain. The individual cared for a backyard flock that may have been exposed to wild birds.
Investigators detected the virus in the poultry environment, and authorities believe the infection most likely came from the birds or contamination from wild birds. People who had contact with the flock are being monitored.
Shih said Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control will continue tracking developments. He advised travelers to avoid bird contact abroad to reduce the risk of infection.
Both the US CDC and Washington state health authorities said the case does not raise the overall public health risk and that the likelihood of broader transmission remains low. No close contacts have tested positive, and there is no sign of human-to-human spread.
Novel influenza A viruses refer to non-seasonal strains that typically infect birds and pigs but occasionally jump to humans. They are distinct from the seasonal H1N1 and H3N2 strains that circulate annually. Taiwan has reported no human cases of novel influenza A this year, according to the CDC.
The CDC said recent human infections globally have been linked to direct contact with birds, livestock, or contaminated environments. The World Health Organization assesses the overall public risk as low, though people who work closely with animals face higher exposure.
The five dos are: cook meat and eggs thoroughly; wear a mask and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear; track travel and exposure history; get a flu vaccine if you have prolonged contact with poultry or livestock; and maintain a balanced diet and moderate exercise.
The six do nots are: do not eat raw poultry, eggs, or their products; do not smuggle or buy meat of unknown origin; do not touch or feed poultry and livestock; do not release or carelessly discard poultry and livestock; do not live with other poultry and livestock; and do not go to poorly ventilated or crowded places.
