From: "Centers for Disease Control and Prevention" <no-reply@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Fri, 21 Apr 2023 11:02:35 -0700
Despite some changes in the gene segments of the virus isolated from the H5N1 patient in Chile, the overall risk to human health associated with the ongoing A(H5N1) outbreaks in wild birds and poultry remains low.
On March 29, 2023, the South American country of Chile reported its first human infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus, which was only the second such infection to ever be reported in South America.
The patient was an adult male, who was hospitalized with severe illness and remains in critical condition.
A preliminary analysis of the genetic sequence information for the H5N1 patient in Chile showed a few isolated genetic changes compared to genes typically found in A(H5N1) viruses circulating in wild birds.
The genetic substitutions in the gene segments for the patient in Chile have been seen previously with past H5N1 infections and they have not resulted in spread between people.
Despite these changes in the gene segments of the virus isolated from the H5N1 patient in Chile, the overall risk to human health associated with the ongoing A(H5N1) outbreaks in wild birds and poultry remains low.
However, given the widespread geographic presence of A(H5N1) viruses in birds with sporadic spillovers to other mammals, additional human cases should be expected.
This case, along with other sporadic human infections following exposure to infected birds or other infected animals, highlights the need for continued vigilance in global and domestic surveillance and preparedness efforts.
CDC will continue to provide further updates to the situation and update guidance as needed.
Twitter @CDCFlu
CDC has posted an addendum to its #H5N1 bird flu technical report. It provides an initial analysis of the genes of the virus from the patient infected with #birdflu in Chile. Despite a few genetic changes, the risk to the public remains low. https://bit.ly/3KJCYK7
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