MANILA, Philippines -- The Ministry of Health
in Vietnam has informed the World Health Organization (WHO) that three recent deaths from influenza-like illness in Vietnam were caused by infection with avian influenza. These are the first officially reported cases of avian influenza in Vietnam since late February.
The three cases are among a group of patients, admitted to hospitals in Vietnam between July 19, 2004 and August 8, 2004 that have been under investigation by health authorities.
Initial tests have identified the virus as belonging to the H5 subtype.
Further testing is needed to determine whether the virus belongs to the same
H5N1 strain that caused 22 cases, with 15 deaths in Vietnam, and 12 cases,
with eight deaths, in Thailand earlier this year.
To date, H5N1 is the only strain of the H5 subtype known to jump directly
from infected poultry to cause illness in humans.
Two of the fatal cases occurred in the northern Ha Tay province. The
third case occurred in the southern province of Hau Giang. Staff from the WHO
country office in Vietnam will be meeting with the Ministry of Health this
afternoon to gather further details about these cases and work out plans for
addressing the situation. The government has today announced an initial
series of measures aimed at controlling the disease in poultry and preventing
further cases in humans.
WHO regards it as particularly important that viruses from these cases be
made available for further analysis by laboratories in the WHO Global
Influenza Surveillance Network. Further studies can help determine whether
the virus has mutated and thus yield valuable information about the further
evolution of the outbreak, the risks to humans, and the best preventive
measures. Studies of the virus are also important in the further development,
presently under way, of an effective human vaccine.
Thorough epidemiological and clinical investigation of these cases and
their contacts is needed to improve understanding of the risks to humans.
Earlier this year, Vietnam reported outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1
avian influenza in poultry in 57 of the country's 64 provinces, resulting in
the death or destruction of more than 43 million poultry. After a period of
quiescence, Vietnam reported fresh outbreaks in poultry in July in provinces
in northern, central, and southern parts of the country. Outbreaks were also
reported in July in China, Indonesia, and Thailand.
The confirmation of these latest human cases underscores the risk of virus
transmission to humans from infected poultry. This risk will continue as long
as outbreaks are occurring in poultry. Of greatest concern is the risk that
continuing transmission of the virus to humans will give avian and influenza
viruses an opportunity to exchange genes, potentially giving rise to a new
virus with pandemic potential.
Source: World Health Organization
Stay prepared and protected with Infection Control Today's newsletter, delivering essential updates, best practices, and expert insights for infection preventionists.
Reducing Hidden Risks: Why Sharps Injuries Still Go Unreported
July 18th 2025Despite being a well-known occupational hazard, sharps injuries continue to occur in health care facilities and are often underreported, underestimated, and inadequately addressed. A recent interview with sharps safety advocate Amanda Heitman, BSN, RN, CNOR, a perioperative educational consultant, reveals why change is overdue and what new tools and guidance can help.
New Study Explores Oral Vancomycin to Prevent C difficile Recurrence, But Questions Remain
July 17th 2025A new clinical trial explores the use of low-dose oral vancomycin to prevent Clostridioides difficile recurrence in high-risk patients taking antibiotics. While the data suggest a possible benefit, the findings stop short of statistical significance and raise red flags about vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), underscoring the delicate balance between prevention and antimicrobial stewardship.
The Next Frontier in Infection Control: AI-Driven Operating Rooms
Published: July 15th 2025 | Updated: July 15th 2025Discover how AI-powered sensors, smart surveillance, and advanced analytics are revolutionizing infection prevention in the OR. Herman DeBoard, PhD, discusses how these technologies safeguard sterile fields, reduce SSIs, and help hospitals balance operational efficiency with patient safety.
CDC Urges Vigilance: New Recommendations for Monitoring and Testing H5N1 Exposures
July 11th 2025With avian influenza A(H5N1) infections surfacing in both animals and humans, the CDC has issued updated guidance calling for aggressive monitoring and targeted testing to contain the virus and protect public health.
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.