Bird flu, also called avian influenza, is a matter of significant public health concern. For a long time now, it has and continues to cause outbreaks in poultry and US dairy cows, with one recent human case involving a US dairy worker, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Bird flu cases have also been detected in a state-run poultry farm in Ranchi, Jharkhand, following which around 4000 birds were culled and hundreds of eggs destroyed. In the latest news, two doctors and six staff members of the Regional Poultry Farm in Hotwar were quarantined.
While India's Health Ministry has suggested increased surveillance and monitoring of influenza-like illnesses, it is also important that people stay aware and alert about the disease and not give into any misinformation.
Also Read: Bird Flu Outbreak In Kerala's Alappuzha; Here’s Everything To Know About The Condition
A common question that most people have in their minds when it comes to bird flu is whether humans can get infected too. If that is the case, what are the chances, and how does it spread? We at OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr Suchismitha Rajamanya, Lead Consultant and HOD - Internal Medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, to get some answers.
What Is Bird Flu Exactly?
Bird flu is an illness caused by influenza type A viruses that spread among birds. In rare cases, it may also affect humans.
There are many strains, and most don't infect humans. The four most common strains that have wreaked havoc in recent times include:
- H5N1 (since 1997)
- H7N9 (since 2013)
- H5N6 (since 2014)
- H5N8 (since 2016)
According to the UK National Health Service (NHS), although H5N1, H7N9, and H5N6 don't infect people easily and aren't usually spread from human to human, several people have been infected around the world, leading to a number of deaths.
Can It Spread To Humans?
Dr Rajamanya says, “Bird flu can spread to humans, but it doesn't happen very often. When it does, people can get sick with symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and trouble breathing.”
She adds, "The most common among these viruses that can infect humans is H5N1. Normally, bird flu begins with wild water birds such as ducks, then further spreads to other domesticated birds like chickens or turkeys, making them sick, which can sometimes even lead to death. Birds can spread the virus among themselves through their droppings or direct contact.”
In the cases of the bird flu outbreak in Jharkhand, almost all cases of H5N1 infections in people have been associated with close contact with infected live or dead birds or an H5N1-contaminated environment, reports read.
Symptoms To Watch Out For
If a person gets infected with bird flu, there are a few symptoms to watch out for. These include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Muscle aches
- Difficulty breathing
However, occasionally, it may lead to severe complications such as pneumonia or other lung problems, says Dr Rajamanya.
“That's why seeking medical help without delay is important,” she advises, adding that individuals who have been in close contact with sick birds or suspect that they might have been exposed to bird flu should see a doctor for examination and proper treatment.
According to her, early recognition and therapy may prevent the occurrence of grave complications and decrease virus dissemination to others.
Moreover, healthcare providers should be alert to possible cases of avian influenza to institute appropriate infection control measures and stop further transmission within community settings.
“Generally speaking, rapid medical intervention, together with public health interventions, is critical in managing outbreaks of bird flu, thereby safeguarding individual as well as community health,” the doctor highlights.
Also Read: Experts Warn H5N1 Pandemic WIll Be '100 Times Worse Than COVID': Understanding Bird Flu Spread And Prevention
A Final Word
Only rare cases of bird flu in humans have been detected in recent years. However, it is still crucial to take the necessary measures to curb the spread.
Dr Rajamanya says, “People should avoid contact with sick or dead birds, as well as their droppings, and practice good hygiene by washing hands thoroughly after handling birds or their waste. Cooking poultry products thoroughly before eating them can kill the virus. Surveillance and reporting of suspected cases to health authorities are essential for quick response and control. Vaccinating poultry against bird flu can also help prevent outbreaks.”
She concludes that by implementing these measures and staying vigilant, we can reduce the risk of bird flu spreading to humans and other birds.