Public health officials were concerned about a re-emergence of H5N1 avian influenza
In 2003, public health officials reported the re-emergence of H5N1 avian influenza for the first time since an outbreak in Hong Kong in 1997. Rare, sporadic human infections first were reported in Asia, and later in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Human infections with Asian H5N1 viruses were associated with severe disease and death.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus subtype H5N1 caused disease in 18 patients with six deaths in Hong Kong in 1997.
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Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Credit: Photo: Hong Kong Wet market Gaai si Hong Kong Wet market Gaai si. Courtesy: Wikipedia.
