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First Human Infection of Avian Influenza A(H5N6) Virus Reported in Lao People’s Democratic Republic, February-March 2021
  • +15
  • Bounthanom Sengkeopraseuth,
  • Kim Co,
  • Phetdavanh Leuangvilay,
  • Joshua Mott,
  • Bounyasith Khongsamphanh,
  • Virasack Som Oulay,
  • Reiko Tsuyuoka,
  • May Chiew,
  • Pakapak Ketmayoon,
  • Joyce Jones,
  • Elizabeth Pusch,
  • Yunho Jang,
  • John Barnes,
  • C. Todd Davis,
  • Phouvong Phommachanh,
  • Bouaphanh Khamphaphongphane,
  • Sonja Olsen,
  • Phonepadith Xangsayarath
Bounthanom Sengkeopraseuth
Ministry of Health

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Kim Co
World Health Organization
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Phetdavanh Leuangvilay
World Health Organization
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Joshua Mott
CDC
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Bounyasith Khongsamphanh
Luang Prabang Provincial Health Department
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Virasack Som Oulay
Ministry of Health
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Reiko Tsuyuoka
World Health Organization
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May Chiew
World Health Organization
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Pakapak Ketmayoon
World Health Organization
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Joyce Jones
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Elizabeth Pusch
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Yunho Jang
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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John Barnes
CDC
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C. Todd Davis
CDC
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Phouvong Phommachanh
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
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Bouaphanh Khamphaphongphane
Ministry of Health
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Sonja Olsen
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Phonepadith Xangsayarath
National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology
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Abstract

In March 2021, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos) reported an avian influenza A(H5N6) virus infection in a 5-year-old child identified through sentinel surveillance. This was the first human A(H5N6) infection reported outside of China. A multidisciplinary investigation undertook contact tracing and enhanced human and animal surveillance in surrounding villages and live bird markets. Seven Muscovy ducks tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N6) viruses. Sequenced viruses belonged to clade 2.3.4.4h and were closely related to viruses detected in poultry in Vietnam, and to previous viruses detected in Laos. Surveillance and coordinated outbreak response remain essential to global health security.
19 Oct 2021Submitted to Influenza and other respiratory viruses
20 Oct 2021Assigned to Editor
20 Oct 2021Submission Checks Completed
24 Oct 2021Editorial Decision: Accept
Mar 2022Published in Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses volume 16 issue 2 on pages 181-185. 10.1111/irv.12934