The avian flu epidemic which is currently raging in the world worries scientists more and more.
This week, we learned that an 11-year-old girl had died of the H1N1 virus in Cambodia. A rare phenomenon but which had not occurred for several years in this country.
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But scientists have reportedparticularly disturbing news. The girl’s father is also positive for the H5N1 virus, which raises fears of possible human transmission. We have not yet received the results of all the analyzes carried out. It could also have been contaminated directly by a bird.
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Avian flu: the father of the deceased girl tested positive for the H5N1 virus, the WHO is concerned about possible transmission to humans
After these two cases in humans, including one death, theWorld Health Organization (WHO) mentioned this Friday a “worrying situation” in relation to the epidemic of Avian Flu. She stresses all the same that nothing yet proves a transmission between humans.
What symptoms should alert you?
Still, the WHO had never expressed such concern since the start of the epidemic which is raging all over the world and mainly strikes farmed birds (duck, chicken, turkey). Cases of transmission to mammals have also been recorded.
And at contagion au virus H5N1 in humans remains very rare, it is necessary to be attentive to the appearance of certain symptoms :
- High fever.
- Respiratory infections (fever and cough).
- Eye infections (conjunctivitis).
- Sore throat (dry throat).
- Gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Muscle aches.
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Abdominal pain.
- Nose and gum bleeding.
- Chest pain.
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As a reminder, the transmission of avian influenza to humans occurs through direct contact with infected animals (alive or dead) or their contaminated environment. Contagion occurs when the secretions or droppings of infected birds are inhaled or the virus enters the mouth, nose or eyes.
The virus is not transmitted not by foodthe consumption of poultry meat, eggs and their by-products therefore does not present a danger to the population.