Bird Flu - H5N1
Bird Flu - H5N1
Bird Flu is also called as Avian Influenza or H5N1. Bird Flu is a viral infection in birds which can mutate and infect the humans. Bird flu virus infect birds which includes poultry birds like chicken, other birds like duck and turkey but rarely seen in humans
In 1997 there was an epidemic of bird flu in Hongkong where first avian influenza virus was detected and this virus was classified as avian influenza A (H5N1 virus).It is highly pathogenic and disease causing virus. It had caused an outbreak in the domestic poultry in Southeast Asia, Africa and some European countries.
Transmission of H5N1 virus
The virus is transmitted by close contact with the birds like if the droppings of infected birds passes into the water either drinking or in swimming pool then virus enters into the human body. Then it spreads and infect other human by personal close contact.
Also virus may transmit by eating uncooked poultry food like uncooked chicken or duck.
Clinical Presentation
Usually symptoms start as flu like and may vary from person to person.
1) The symptoms begin 3 to 5 days after the infection. Symptoms are flu like. Fever, sore throat, muscle pain, cough, nausea and vomiting are commonly present.
2) Eye infection along with the above symptoms are the indication of bird flu but is less commonly seen in people hence diagnosis becomes difficult.
3) Acute respiratory illnesses like cough and difficulty in breathing is seen.
4) Some people also suffer from diarrhea.
Diagnosis of H5N1
1) Fluid sample - The samples from nose and throat is taken to check microscopically the presence of virus. Sample must be taken within first two days of infection in order to get the correct diagnosis.
2) Chest X-rays - If the person suffers from severe cough or other respiratory problems them chest X-ray helps to provide the evidence.
Complications
People may develop life-threatening complications due to H5N1 virus like pneumonia, respiratory distress or respiratory failure, seizures, kidney failure and death.
Line of Treatment
The treatment is based on symptoms.
1) Anti-viral treatment is recommended which works against bird flu but still some research is required.
2) H5N1 usually causes severe illness and hence hospitalization is often required.
3) Once the patient of Bird Flu is admitted to the hospital, patient is isolated and kept in different room so that others don't get infected by H5N1.
Prevention of H5N1 virus
It can be prevented in two ways either by avoiding the contact with the infected birds and second by proper handling of poultry items.
A) Avoid contact
1) Avoid visiting zoos, animal markets and areas where larger number of domestic chickens are kept without caged.
2) Avoid consumption of poultry food like chicken, turkey and duck.
3) Avoid contact with the infected person. Keep the infected person isolated till the symptoms are decreased.
B) Proper handling
1) Frequently wash your hands and feet with disinfectant especially after handling the raw poultry food.
2) Cook the eggs completely till the yolks and whites are firm enough.
3) Cook the chicken or duck thoroughly with minimum temperature of 1650F. Wash promptly the utensils or clothes that used while cooking the poultry food.
4) Special sanitation is required for the children and infants as they can get easily infected.
C) Vaccines
There is a vaccine approved for bird flu virus which will help to prevent the outbreak of virus. But this vaccine provide limited protection as it contains only the one strain of influenza virus. WHO has planned to produce the bird flu vaccine with different influenza strain.
Advice for travelers
People who are traveling to the region of Bird flu outbreak like Southeast Asian countries must do some research and get updated with the current scenario.
1) Take the flu shot prior travelling to these countries.
2) Take a bottle of sanitizer along with you and use it whenever you go to public places like toilets, airports, restaurants, etc.
3) Avoid visiting the poultry markets or such places.
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