11-Year-Old Boy Dies After H5N1 Virus Infection
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] An 11-year-old boy in India who was infected with the avian influenza virus H5N1, known to have a fatality rate of up to 60%, has died, marking the first avian influenza death in India.
On the 21st (local time), The Times of India reported that the 11-year-old boy infected with H5N1 died the previous day.
According to sources, the boy recently showed symptoms of high fever and cough, and was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on the 2nd for treatment.
Initially, medical staff suspected the boy was infected with COVID-19 and conducted tests. However, after testing negative for COVID-19, the medical team suspected avian influenza infection and ultimately confirmed that the boy was infected with a strain of the avian influenza virus, H5N1.
Previously, India had experienced repeated avian influenza outbreaks over the past 15 years, but no deaths had occurred.
Local media reported that health authorities are on alert as the first death from avian influenza has occurred in India.
Indian health authorities are currently tracing people who had contact with the boy and have recommended self-isolation for the medical staff who treated him.
Local medical personnel stated that human infection cases of the avian influenza virus are very rare but warned, "If actual infection occurs, it can lead to very dangerous situations. The fatality rate is known to be as high as 60%."
The avian influenza virus is transmitted through the saliva, tears, and other secretions of infected birds. In particular, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that if these secretions enter the eyes, nose, or mouth of a person in large amounts, the probability of virus infection significantly increases.
Additionally, the avian influenza virus is known to cause higher severity rates among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and the elderly aged 65 and above.
Previously, the H5N1 virus began spreading in the Asia-Pacific region from 2003, resulting in 861 infections and 455 deaths to date.
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