Trends in avian influenza

In humans, infection with avian influenza virus causes a febrile disease with respiratory symptoms that is described as human influenza. Furthermore, infection with avian influenza can often be severe and fatal. Human infections with H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza and H7N9 avian influenza have been reported in Asian countries. There is substantial risk that these infections will also occur in Japan. Although efficient human-to-human transmission of avian influenza is unlikely, the virus could become more adapted to human infection, leading to a pandemic. The diagnosis, reporting, and treatment of infections with avian influenza are important for improving both clinical management and public health.