The first case of human infection with H5N8 avian influenza has been detected in Russia

BEIJING, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Researchers at russia's Vector Science Center have found the first laboratory-confirmed case of human infection with H5N8 avian influenza, said Anna Popova, head of the Russian Federation's Consumer Protection and Public Interest Supervision Agency.
"Today, I would like to reveal an important scientific discovery by researchers at the Vector Science Center under the Russian Consumer Protection and Public Interest Supervision Agency: the first laboratory-confirmed case of human infection with H5N8 avian influenza has been found in Russia," she said on Russia 24 television.
researchers isolated the genetic material of the flu from samples taken by seven employees at a poultry farm in southern Russia, which was quickly put under control after an outbreak of avian influenza in December 2020.
said: "All seven of the people I spoke to were in good condition with mild clinical symptoms. "
Russian "vector" National Center for Virology and Biotechnology Science Director Rynatt Maksutsutov said on the 20th, today has begun to develop testing systems and human candidate vaccines against the H5N8 avian influenza virus."The rapid deciphering of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus allows us to begin developing testing systems today to detect and treat infected people in a timely manner,"
Maksutov said during a live broadcast on Russia's Channel 1. At the same time, research and development of candidate vaccines can also be initiated. ”