WHO sounds H5N1 alert across Asia-Pacific

NEW DELHI, AUG 27 (AGENCIES): Just as India is gearing up to tackle a seasonal influenza wave, with H1N1 or swine flu cases drawing attention, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has sounded a fresh warning on another influenza threat — highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1), reports the Outlook.
The warning comes amid a spurt in outbreaks of H5N1 among birds in countries across the Asia-Pacific region, raising concerns over the possibility of the virus spilling over from animals to humans. The WHO has now urged countries to strengthen surveillance and ensure their health systems are ready to detect and respond rapidly to any human infections.
The message came after more than 150 influenza experts, laboratory scientists and public-health officials met virtually from August 25 to 27 for the 19th Biregional Meeting of National Influenza Centres and Influenza Surveillance, jointly organised by WHO’s South-East Asia and Western Pacific regional offices. The timing is significant for India, which is already monitoring seasonal influenza. The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) maintains dedicated surveillance and technical guidance for seasonal influenza, including H1N1, and its latest update was issued on August 11. But H5N1 is a different threat. While seasonal influenza viruses such as H1N1 circulate primarily among humans, H5N1 is an avian influenza virus that primarily affects birds and can occasionally infect humans, particularly following exposure to infected animals or contaminated environments. WHO says zoonotic influenza viruses can cause illness ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to severe respiratory disease and death. The latest WHO meeting placed particular emphasis on the spread of highly pathogenic H5N1 in birds in the Pacific and recent incursions reported in Australia and New Zealand.
WHO stressed that the response cannot be left to the health sector alone. Animal health, human health and environmental authorities need to work together under the One Health approach to detect potential spillovers early and contain them before they become a wider public-health threat.
“Australia and New Zealand’s recent experience is a sharp reminder that vigilance cannot lapse,”said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, stressing the importance of coordination between human, animal and environmental health authorities.
WHO, along with the Food and Agriculture Organisation, UN Environment Programme, World Organisation for Animal Health and Pacific Community, has also undertaken a Rapid Joint One Health Risk Assessment to assess the risk of H5N1 entering Pacific Island countries and identify preparedness measures.