HUMAN INFLUENZA-VIRUS A HONGKONG/156/97 (H5N1) INFECTION/

Introduction of influenza viruses with gene segments of avian origin i nto the human population may result in the emergence of Mew pathogenic human influenza viruses. The recent infection of a 3-year-old boy wit h an influenza A (H5N1) virus of avian origin can be considered as an example of such an event. However; this virus, influenza A/Hong Kong/1 56/97 (H5N1) and the 17 additional H5N1 viruses isolated from humans h y the end of 1997 lack the ability to spread efficiently amongst human s and therefore have limited pandemic potential. However; the possibil ity of reassortment of these viruses with currently circulating human viruses illustrates the need for pandemic preparedness. (C) 1998 Elsev ier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.