Avian influenza A (H5N1) infection in a child.

ABSTRACT

A previously healthy, 9-year-old girl was admitted to the hospital with respiratory insufficiency. She had mild and severe respiratory symptoms for 3 weeks and 4 days before admission, respectively. She had a history of close contact with her domestic poultry, which was infected with avian influenza A (H5N1). She was isolated with the air-borne transmission prevention mode of treatment. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was documented from the time of admission and mechanical ventilation was introduced without improvement. She had multiple episodes of diarrhea for 2 days. Her condition deteriorated and she expired in 4 days. Throat swab RT-PCR and viral culture for avian influenza A (H5N1) were positive.