Influenza (avian and other zoonotic) in the Western Pacific

Zoonotic influenza viruses, such as avian or swine influenza, normally spread in animals but can also infect humans. Human infections are primarily acquired through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.

Avian, swine and other zoonotic influenza virus infections in humans may cause disease ranging from mild upper respiratory tract infection (fever and cough), to severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (breathing difficulties), shock and even death. Conjunctivitis (“pink eye”), gastrointestinal symptoms, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and encephalopathy (brain damage or disease) have also been reported to varying degrees depending on subtype.

While recently-identified avian influenza viruses do not currently transmit easily from person to person, the ongoing circulation of these viruses in poultry is particularly concerning, as these viruses cause severe disease in humans and have the potential to mutate to become more contagious between people.