A human infection with avian influenza A(H5N6) virus was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) the first week of May.
The case is a 55-year-old female from Chongqing Municipality, in southwestern China, with symptom onset on 16 April 2026.
She developed severe pneumonia, was hospitalized on 23 April, and died on 3 May.
She had purchased, slaughtered, and consumed poultry. Samples collected from a cutting board tested positive for influenza A (H5). All close contacts tested negative and developed no symptoms.
Since 2014, a total of 93 laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with influenza A(H5N6) virus including 58 deaths (CFR 62.4%) have been reported to WHO in the Western Pacific Region.
Avian influenza is caused by those influenza viruses that mainly affect birds and poultry, such as chickens or ducks. Clinical presentation of avian influenza in humans may range from flu-like symptoms (e.g. fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches) to severe respiratory illness (e.g. chest infection). Eye infection (conjunctivitis) and gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) have also been reported. The incubation period ranges from 7 to 10 days. The more virulent forms can result in respiratory failure, multi-organ failure and even death.
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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) recommends the public should maintain strict personal, hand, food and environmental hygiene and take heed of the advice below when handling poultry:
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Avoid touching poultry, birds, animals or their droppings;
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When buying live chickens, do not touch them and their droppings. Do not blow at their bottoms. Wash eggs with detergent if soiled with faecal matter and cook and consume the eggs immediately. Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling chickens and eggs;
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Eggs should be cooked well until the white and yolk become firm. Do not eat raw eggs or dip cooked food into any sauce with raw eggs. Poultry should be cooked thoroughly. If there is pinkish juice running from the cooked poultry or the middle part of its bone is still red, the poultry should be cooked again until fully done;
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Wash hands frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, before handling food or eating, and after going to the toilet, touching public installations or equipment such as escalator handrails, elevator control panels or door knobs, or when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing; and
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Wear a mask if fever or respiratory symptoms develop, when going to a hospital or clinic, or while taking care of patients with fever or respiratory symptoms.