As we deal with the COVID pandemic, several states across India are reporting an outbreak of another virus – the avian influenza, more commonly known as bird flu.
On 4 January, the deaths of migratory water birds due to avian influenza rose to 2,401– almost half of them being the endangered bar-headed goose, visiting Himachal Pradesh’s Pong wetlands.
The same day, the Kerala government said that around 12,000 ducks have died in the last few days, while according to minister K Raju another 36,000 are likely to be culled.
Earlier, on 27 December 2020, about 100 crows were found dead in a local temple at Jhalawar, 341 km from Rajasthan capital Jaipur. On 31 December, a high alert was issued after confirmation of avian influenza in a sample of crows. According to reports, more than 200 birds have died in Rajasthan so far. At the same time, more than 50 crows found dead in Indore of Madhya Pradesh have been confirmed to be infected with bird flu and there are reports of the death of about 1500 ducks in Kerala.
What is avian influenza? Can it be transmitted to human beings? Here’s all you need to know.
What Is Bird Flu or Avian Flu?
Avian influenza is a viral disease that is contagious.
Avian influenza, avian flu or simply bird flu is a disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses. This is said to occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other birds and animals explained the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It can cause severe respiratory disease in birds.
H5N1 and H7N9 are the most common strains of the virus.
There are many types of bird flu, but H5N1 was the first bird flu virus to infect humans.
Are Humans At Risk of Bird Flu?
Bird flu viruses usually do not infect humans, but many cases of human infection with bird flu virus have been reported since 1997. H5N1 was first confirmed in humans in 1997. According to the World Health Organization, bird flu can be transmitted from one person to another, which is possible, but rare.
According to a report, from 2003 to 2019, the WHO confirmed a total of 861 human cases of H5N1 worldwide, of which 455 deaths occurred.
Which States in India Are Reporting the Virus?
- Rajasthan
- Kerala
- Himachal Pradesh
States like Punjab, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh have sounded high alert.
How Are Humans Infected?
Cases of H5N1 infection in humans have been found due to close contact with infected living or dead birds. It can be transmitted to humans through contact with an infected bird’s stool, nose, mouth or eyes and enters a human via their eyes, mouth and nose.
Most cases of influenza A (H5N1) and A (H7N9) virus infections in humans have been found to be associated with direct or indirect contact with infected live or dead poultry.
Can Eating Chicken Cause Bird Flu?
Not really. Heat destroys avian viruses. Therefore, cooked poultry isn't a health threat. However, you should ensure that the meat is handled well and cleanliness is maintained while cooking it.
Most importantly, eggs and meat should be cooked well.
According to MayoClinic, the following precautions should be taken:
- Use hot, soapy water to wash cutting boards, utensils and all surfaces that have come into contact with the raw poultry.
- Because eggshells are often contaminated with bird droppings, avoid foods containing raw or undercooked eggs.
At the same time, some influenza A (H5N1) cases in humans are also believed to be linked to dishes prepared from raw, contaminated poultry and therefore it is advisable to cook the meat thoroughly.
Symptoms of Bird Flu
Symptoms of bird flu are like common flu-
- cough
- Diarrhea
- Shortness of breath
- Fever (more than 100.4 ° F)
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Restlessness
- running nose
- Sore throat
Should You Be Worried?
According to the Bird Count India, a partnership comprising organisations and groups, over the past seven to 10 days, there have been reports of wild birds dying in separate incidents at different locations in the country.
At the moment, no one knows whether these are causes of larger concern, but it is worth keeping an eye on the situation, it said, according to IANS.
“If you encounter a wild bird that is dead or dying, do not approach it, and under any circumstances do not touch it, given the possibility (however small) that it might be infected with avian influenza. H5N1 is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe illness in people,” it warned.
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