6 January 2006

 

Human avian influenza in Turkey

 

Today the WHO has confirmed that the two deaths in Turkey reported on 5 January 2006 [1,2] and a third death reported today, were secondary to avian influenza subtype H5.

The first case was a 14 year old boy from the district of Dogubayazit in the eastern province of Agri. He was hospitalised in Van province on 1 January and died the same day. The second case was his 15 year old sister, also hospitalised on the 1 January, and who died on 5 January. The third case is the 11 year old sister of the first two cases.  These cases as well as other cases of respiratory illness are being investigated by the Turkish authorities, with the support of the WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

Samples from all three cases were sent to the WHO Influenza Centre based at the National Institute for Medical Research in London. Further testing is being done to determine whether these isolates are the H5N1 subtype. 

Advice for Travellers

WHO reports that the Dogubayazit district has been quarantined [1].  There are no travel restrictions to other areas in Turkey or to other countries that have been infected with avian influenza.

Travellers should exercise precautions that have been previously posted [3]. Travellers who return ill with a respiratory illness should inform their physicians of their travel history.  Physicians should evaluate them according to the protocol established by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) [4].

References

1. World Health Organization. Avian influenza - situation in Turkey. 5 January 2006. [cited 6 January 2006] Available at http://www.who.int/csr/don/2006_01_05/en/index.html

2. NaTHNaC. Possible human cases of avian influenza in Turkey. 5 January 2006. [cited 6 January 2006] Available at http://www.NaTHNaC.org/pro/clinical_updates/

avianinfluenza_turkey_050106.htm

3. NaTHNaC. Avian influenza - Advice for travellers to affected areas. 4 November 2005. [cited 6 January 2006] Available at http://www.NaTHNaC.org/pro/clinical_updates/

avianinfluenza_advice_041105.htm

4. Health Protection Agency. Algorithm for the management of returning travellers from countries affected by avian influenza presenting with a febrile illness: recognition, investigation and initial management. 5 January 2006. [cited 6 January 2006] Available at http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAweb&HPA

webStandard/HPAweb_C/1195733851442