H5 Influenza Viruses in Egypt

For almost a decade, Egypt has been endemic for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses. In addition to being catastrophic for poultry production, A(H5N1) has also caused 359 human infections in the country (similar to 40% of global cases), with 120 being fatal. From 2017, A(H5N1) viruses have been gradually replaced by HPAI A(H5N8) viruses seeded from Southeast Asia through Europe; no human cases have been reported since. This lack of human cases is not a consequence of fewer H5 infections in poultry. Despite governmental outbreak control, the number of avian influenza outbreaks has increased since 2006 partially fueled by noncompliance with preventive measures and suboptimal vaccination programs. Adherence to control measures is low because of social norms, especially among women and children-the main caretakers of household flocks in rural areas-and declining public awareness in the community. Egypt has thus become an epicenter for A(H5) virus evolution, with no clear resolution in sight.

Automated summary

Egypt has been an endemic for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses for almost a decade, causing significant impact on poultry production and human infections. Since 2017, HPAI A(H5N8) viruses have gradually replaced A(H5N1) viruses, but the government's outbreak control measures have been inadequate, resulting in an increase in avian influenza outbreaks and low compliance with control measures in the community.