2023-04-19 08:48:36
Avian influenza is a disease that mainly affects wild and domestic birds after infection with the influenza A virus of the subtypes H5N1, H5N8, H7N9 or H9N2. The occurrence of cases among mammals and humans in recent months has increased worldwide concern about the disease.
Over the past 20 years, 868 cases of human infection with the avian influenza A (H5N1) virus have been recorded in 21 countries. Of these, 457 were fatal, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) released in the latest epidemiological bulletin on the disease. The entity confirmed, on Wednesday (12/4), the first human death by the avian influenza virus type H3N8, in China.
“Whenever avian influenza viruses circulate in poultry, there is a risk of sporadic infection and small clusters of human cases due to exposure to infected birds or contaminated environments. Therefore, sporadic human cases are not unexpected,” says the WHO.
Even after the emergence of new cases, officials from the WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States consider that the global risk of an avian flu pandemic remains low. However, they call for vigilance regarding new cases.
The virus is transmitted from the saliva, mucous membranes and feces of infected birds.
avian flu symptoms
The signs and symptoms of the disease in humans vary according to the patient’s condition. While some may be asymptomatic, others may develop mild or even severe disease.
Symptoms may include conjunctivitis, flu-like respiratory condition, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, pneumonia, fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, headache and fatigue. Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or seizures are less common but can occur.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of avian flu is made from laboratory tests or by collection tests of secretion samples from the nose and throat of the sick person. The result is more accurate when the swab is collected in the first days of illness.
Prevention
There is still no vaccine designed specifically to prevent avian flu. Infectologists recommend that all people aged 6 months or older receive an annual dose of flu vaccine to ensure greater protection against influenza viruses.
“Seasonal flu vaccination does not prevent infection with avian flu viruses, but it may reduce your risk of getting sick with both human and avian flu viruses at the same time,” states the US CDC.
In everyday life, the best prevention is to avoid sources of exposure. The population should avoid direct contact with wild birds; wear a mask when around poultry that appear sick or have died, and do not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with saliva, mucus, or feces from wild or domestic birds.
Precautions
People who become ill within ten days of contact with infected birds should isolate themselves at home, avoiding contact with other family members until they recover from the disease or tests prove that it is not avian flu.
It is also important to notify local authorities to contribute to disease monitoring. Close contacts who were exposed during this period should also be informed and have their health monitored.
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