The level of antiviral resistance is closely followed by public health authorities. chemotherapy). pii: 19112. Furthermore, exacerbations of underlying disease, e.g. by Streptococcus pneumoniae or Staphylococcus aureus. The science-based standards, guidelines and recommendations issued by the OIE are designated as the international reference in dealing with avian influenza. European influenza seasons have been recorded for several years and are continuously under ECDC surveillance. The complications can potentially occur in anyone, but hospitalisations are more common in older persons (≥65 years of age, 309/100,000 person-years) (Zhou, 2012) and in the youngest children (<1 year of age, 151/100,000 person-years) (Zhou, 2012). Its world network of Reference Laboratories and Collaborating Centres provides policy advice, strategy design and technical assistance for the control and eradication of these viruses. In 2003 The World Health Assembly, which includes all EU/EEA countries, lent its support to targets for vaccination uptake in the elderly of 50% by 2006 and 75% by 2010. Moreover, only influenza type A viruses are responsible for the occasional pandemics. © European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) 2020, Questions and answers on seasonal influenza, Facemasks and hand hygiene to prevent influenza transmission in households: a cluster randomized trial Annals of Internal medicine 2009. Influenza risk groups are people who are more likely than others develop complications should they be infected. It is important that specimens are collected as early as possible after symptom onset. Home > Animal health in the World > Avian Influenza Portal, Avian Influenza "at a glance" What is avian influenza? The first pandemic reportedly occurred in 412 BC, 1, 2 and the first attributed to influenza in 1580. Euro Surveill. The usual experience following a pandemic is that the pandemic strain dominates the annual epidemics for some years. Influenza activity in Europe during eight seasons (1999-2007): an evaluation of the indicators used to measure activity and an assessment of the timing, length and spread across Europe. �?p¶�w�i� �Ku�-��Ee�����S����A0�X�Z�0uT�}� A���NY��'z,�' {ƂO�r}ʛ��X !Q!R\i�0?��N��k_�P%��� p�mu��pJ�. It was reviewed by clinical, epidemiological and virological experts. In addition, the OIE has strengthened international coordination and cooperation in the control of avian influenza through joint collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): the three bodies regularly exchange follow-up information on the global zoonotic influenza situation, as one of their 3 Priority Topics. Euro Surveill. Clin Infect Dis. 2012;55(9):1198-204. Based on published literature (Dawood, 2010; Hayward, 2014; Ortiz, 2014; Thompson 2003), mainly from the USA and extrapolated to an EU/EEA population of approximately 512 million, the burden of seasonal influenza has been estimated (Figure 1). Avian influenza is mainly found in birds, but under certain circumstances infections can also occur in humans even though the risk is generally very low. The ERLI-Net sub-network of reference laboratories of the European Influenza Surveillance Network carries out virological surveillance of human influenza in the EU/EEA through the EISN timely reporting mechanism and strengthening laboratory capacity for influenza virus detection, antiviral susceptibility testing and typing. (Killingley, 2013). Expert opinion is supportive (Jefferson, 2008) but there have been few randomised trials with laboratory-confirmed influenza as end points (Cowling et al., 2009; MacIntyre et al., 2009). Dawood FS1, Fiore A, Kamimoto L, et al. Avian influenza "at a glance" What is avian influenza? For at least 40-60 seconds each time, especially after coughing or sneezing. There are many AI virus strains, which are usually classified into two categories according to the severity of the disease in poultry: Avian Influenza has captured the attention of the international community over the years, with outbreaks in poultry having serious consequences on both livelihoods and international trade in many countries. Good respiratory hygiene – covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using tissues and disposing of them correctly. 2009. Early self-isolation of those feeling unwell, feverish and having other symptoms of influenza. Killingley B, Nguyen-Van-Tam J. Avian influenza (AI) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting several species of food producing birds (chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl, etc. Available from http://www.cdc.gov/EID/content/15/2/233.htm. Statement by Juan Lubroth, FAO's Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) - FAO recognises the scientific evidence that wild birds, especially waterfowl, are natural reservoirs for influenza A viruses. Influenza spreads predominantly via the droplet and contact routes when people cough and sneeze, and by indirect spread through respiratory secretions on hands, tissues, etc. 12. Distribution of confirmed A(H7N9) human cases by place of reporting. There are also rapid point of care tests (quick test) that require less time. However, in 2009-2010, when the most recent influenza pandemic took place,, A(H1N1)pdm09 replaced A(H1N1). Risk of infection is associated with direct contact with infected birds. Although vaccination is the preferred option for preventing influenza, antivirals can be useful when the vaccine fails. 2007;176(4):463-8. However, at least one observational study of A(H1N1)pdm09 found improved survival in the severely ill when antiviral treatment was provided within five days of symptom onset (Louie, 2012). In uncomplicated adult cases systemic symptoms usually last a few days. Latest updates on avian Influenza Prevention and control International collaboration & OFFLU network Media Resources. Moreover, an EU target was set by the Health Council of all Health Ministers of 75% vaccination coverage by 2014/15 in the older age groups, and if possible extended to people with chronic conditions. The report provides a situation update of the avian influenza situation in EU/EEA. 1. Influenza viruses are RNA viruses from the family Orthomyxoviridae, and have a worldwide distribution. It is caused by influenza virus and is easily transmitted, predominantly via the droplet and contact routes and by indirect spread from respiratory secretions on hands etc. ECDC collects epidemiological and virological data from the EU/EEA Member States. If you like to read the weekly electronic bulletins, please get in contact with webmaster@ecdc.europa.eu. In addition, although most avian influenza viruses do not infect humans, some, such as avian influenza H5N1 and H7N9, are well known to the public because of their implication in serious and sometimes fatal infections in people. All six outbreaks detected in Hungary were secondary outbreaks and seem to be the … WHO recommends seasonal influenza vaccination for the following risk groups: pregnant women, children aged 6-59 months, the elderly, and individuals with chronic medical conditions. The OIE’s objectives of promoting transparency and understanding of the global animal disease situation continue as a priority of our organisation in the face of this situation, in order to protect public health, and to ensure the safety of world trade in animals and animal products. Secondly, but of greater economic impact, are the large numbers of mild to moderate cases which result in time off work, losses to production and pressure and costs on the health and social care services. Type B infections are less common and usually milder than influenza A(H3N2). Introduction. The incubation time for seasonal influenza is on average two days, but ranges from one to four days. High pathogenic (HP) H5N1 avian influenza (AI) infection has been reported in domestic poultry, wildlife, and human populations since 1996. Most simple seasonal influenza cases are managed symptomatically and are advised bedrest at home to minimize the risk for infecting others in the community. Meijer A, Lackenby A, Hungnes O, Lina B, van der Werf S, Schweiger B, et al. access to care. Vaccination is the most effective form of influenza prevention. When hand-washing is not possible, alcohol-based hand sanitisers are an option. In 2011, a live attenuated influenza vaccine was also approved in the EU for children and adolescents. Seasonal influenza is a vaccine-preventable disease and annual influenza vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza. Type B does not have subtypes but two antigenically distinct lineages: Victoria and Yamagata. Microbiology and laboratory reports; External quality assessments, Influenza virus characterisations. the exchange of at least one RNA segment. Furthermore, they do not carry any virulence markers strongly associated with human infection risk. The severity of seasonal influenza depends on the virus, host factors, and other factors, e.g. Influenza viruses are usually classified into three types: A, B and C, according to differences in antigenic and biologic properties. During the influenza transmission season ECDC and the WHO Regional Office for Europe jointly reports on the influenza situation in the wider European region which covers the 53 countries of the WHO European Region (including the EU/EEA Member States).