Situation of Avian Influenza A (H5N1) in Neighboring Countries and Human Surveillance Systems for Avian Influenza in Thailand

Authors

  • Tanya Khochakasorn Division of Epidemiology, Department of Diseases Control, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
  • Chayanit Mahasing Division of Epidemiology, Department of Diseases Control, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
  • Pawinee Doungngern Division of Epidemiology, Department of Diseases Control, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59096/wesr.v57i2.7532

Keywords:

Avain influenza A (H5N1)

Abstract

Highlight

Avian influenza A (H5N1) is an infectious disease caused by the influenza A virus, characterized by high pathogenicity in poultry and the ability to transmit to humans through close contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. The disease is associated with substantial severity, with a global case fatality rate of approximately 48% since 2003, and cases have been reported in 25 countries worldwide. Although Thailand has not reported human cases since 2006, significant risk factors remain. These include ongoing outbreaks in neighboring countries—particularly Cambodia, which reported continued cases as recently as February 2026—as well as risks associated with migratory wild birds and cross-border movement of poultry. Therefore, sustained avian influenza surveillance is critically important to ensure the timely detection of cases and to enable the effective prevention and control of potential outbreaks.

References

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Global human cases with influenza A(H5N1), 1997–2025 [Internet]. Atlanta (GA): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2025 [cited 2026 Feb 5]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/php/surveillance /chart-epi-curve-ah5n1.html

World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific. Avian Influenza Weekly Update, 20 February 2026 [Internet]. Manila: WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific; 2026 [cited 2026 Feb 22]. Available from: https://cdn.who.int/media/ docs/default-source/wpro---documents/emergency/surveillance/avian-influenza/ai_20260220.pdf

World Health Organization. Avian Influenza A (H5N1) – Cambodia. Disease Outbreak News; 2025 DON575 [Internet]. 2025 [cited 2026 Feb 5]. Available from: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON575

Ministry of Health, Cambodia. Notice on human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) in Kampot province [Internet]. Phnom Penh: Ministry of Health, Cambodia; 2026 [cited 2026 Feb 20]. Available from: https://moh.gov.kh/en/notice/detail/425

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Published

2026-02-28

How to Cite

Khochakasorn, T., Mahasing, C., & Doungngern, P. (2026). Situation of Avian Influenza A (H5N1) in Neighboring Countries and Human Surveillance Systems for Avian Influenza in Thailand. Weekly Epidemiological Surveillance Report, 57(2), e7532. https://doi.org/10.59096/wesr.v57i2.7532

Issue

Section

Health situation analysis