Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Infection in Humans (NEJM Review)

An unprecedented epizootic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus that is highly pathogenic has crossed the species barrier in Asia to cause many human fatalities and poses an increasing pandemic threat. This summary describes the features of human infection with influenza A (H5N1) and reviews recommendations for prevention and clinical management presented in part at the recent WHO Meeting in May 2005. NEJM 353:1374-1385