H5N1 virus is found mostly in birds, although infections have also occurred in humans, mostly in people who have come into contact with the virus through infected poultry. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, of the few avian influenza viruses that have infected humans, the H5N1 subtype has caused the largest number of detected cases of serious disease and death.

There is a possibility that the H5N1 virus subtype could mutate further and spread quickly to humans, causing an influenza pandemic. According to the World Health Organization, there are 413 confirmed human cases of infection from H5N1.

Almost all the cases were found in Asia and northern Africa, but has not been detected in the Americas.

In clinical studies, the test correctly identified the absence of infection in more than 700 specimens. In addition, the test correctly detected the presence of H5N1 virus subtype in 24 cultured specimens from infected patients.

A Vantage A/H5N1 Flu Test is manufactured by Arbor Vita Corporation, located in Sunnyvale, California.

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Editor:Yang Jie