Post by Nadica (She/Her) on Aug 29, 2024 2:38:42 GMT
Human case of bird flu detected in Odisha; Symptoms and precautions you need to know - Published Aug 28, 2024
A Human case of bird flu has been detected in Odisha's Puri district. According to state health minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling the case was found in the Mangalpur Community Health Center (CHC) of Puri district. The health department has intensified its monitoring efforts in the affected areas, including the Pipili and Satyabadi blocks, where an H5N1 outbreak is currently being closely observed.
The health department has established a primary surveillance zone within a 1 km radius and a secondary surveillance layer extending from 1 km to 10 km around the affected area. ASHA workers are conducting door-to-door awareness campaigns and distributing Tamiflu medicines to those in need, along with N95 masks as part of the containment strategy.
"The health department intensified its monitoring efforts. Surveillance and preparedness activities are being rigorously conducted in the Pipili and Satyabadi blocks of Puri district, where the ongoing H5N1 outbreak is under close observation. A primary surveillance zone has been established within a 1 km radius, with a secondary layer of surveillance extending from 1 km to 10 km. Our department is fully prepared, with ASHA workers conducting door-to-door awareness campaigns and distributing Tamiflu medicine to those in need. N95 masks are also being distributed as part of the containment strategy. The government remains vigilant, with close coordination between the health and animal husbandry departments. To date, approximately 25,000 birds have been culled as part of the containment measures," said Dr. Mahaling.
— ANI (@ani)
This is the third human infection of H9N2 bird flu from India, with the first case reported in 2019 and another in June this year.
Bird flu Symptoms and Precautions
Avian influenza, or bird flu, refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza Type A viruses. These viruses naturally spread among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.
While the H9N2 virus typically causes mild illness, further sporadic human cases could occur as the virus is one of the most prevalent avian influenza viruses circulating in poultry in different regions.
Bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, sporadic human infections with bird flu viruses have occurred. The CDC adds that there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission, and the risk to the general public is low. Animal influenza viruses usually circulate in animals but can also infect humans, typically through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.
"Human infections with avian influenza viruses can happen when virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled," says the CDC.
Symptoms of bird flu infections in people have ranged from mild—such as eye infections and upper respiratory symptoms—to severe illness, including pneumonia, that have resulted in death. Conjunctivitis, sore throat, headache, runny nose, and muscle or body aches are other symptoms. The Mexican patient experienced symptoms like fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, and general discomfort.
"CDC currently recommends treatment as soon as possible with flu antiviral drugs for people with suspected or confirmed influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. Antiviral treatment works best when started as soon as symptoms begin," advises the CDC.
The CDC also recommends avoiding contact with surfaces that appear to be contaminated with animal feces, raw milk, litter, or materials contaminated by birds or other animals with suspected or confirmed avian influenza virus infection. Consuming uncooked or raw products contaminated by birds should also be avoided.
A Human case of bird flu has been detected in Odisha's Puri district. According to state health minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling the case was found in the Mangalpur Community Health Center (CHC) of Puri district. The health department has intensified its monitoring efforts in the affected areas, including the Pipili and Satyabadi blocks, where an H5N1 outbreak is currently being closely observed.
The health department has established a primary surveillance zone within a 1 km radius and a secondary surveillance layer extending from 1 km to 10 km around the affected area. ASHA workers are conducting door-to-door awareness campaigns and distributing Tamiflu medicines to those in need, along with N95 masks as part of the containment strategy.
"The health department intensified its monitoring efforts. Surveillance and preparedness activities are being rigorously conducted in the Pipili and Satyabadi blocks of Puri district, where the ongoing H5N1 outbreak is under close observation. A primary surveillance zone has been established within a 1 km radius, with a secondary layer of surveillance extending from 1 km to 10 km. Our department is fully prepared, with ASHA workers conducting door-to-door awareness campaigns and distributing Tamiflu medicine to those in need. N95 masks are also being distributed as part of the containment strategy. The government remains vigilant, with close coordination between the health and animal husbandry departments. To date, approximately 25,000 birds have been culled as part of the containment measures," said Dr. Mahaling.
— ANI (@ani)
This is the third human infection of H9N2 bird flu from India, with the first case reported in 2019 and another in June this year.
Bird flu Symptoms and Precautions
Avian influenza, or bird flu, refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza Type A viruses. These viruses naturally spread among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.
While the H9N2 virus typically causes mild illness, further sporadic human cases could occur as the virus is one of the most prevalent avian influenza viruses circulating in poultry in different regions.
Bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, sporadic human infections with bird flu viruses have occurred. The CDC adds that there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission, and the risk to the general public is low. Animal influenza viruses usually circulate in animals but can also infect humans, typically through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.
"Human infections with avian influenza viruses can happen when virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled," says the CDC.
Symptoms of bird flu infections in people have ranged from mild—such as eye infections and upper respiratory symptoms—to severe illness, including pneumonia, that have resulted in death. Conjunctivitis, sore throat, headache, runny nose, and muscle or body aches are other symptoms. The Mexican patient experienced symptoms like fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, and general discomfort.
"CDC currently recommends treatment as soon as possible with flu antiviral drugs for people with suspected or confirmed influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. Antiviral treatment works best when started as soon as symptoms begin," advises the CDC.
The CDC also recommends avoiding contact with surfaces that appear to be contaminated with animal feces, raw milk, litter, or materials contaminated by birds or other animals with suspected or confirmed avian influenza virus infection. Consuming uncooked or raw products contaminated by birds should also be avoided.