Bird Flu In India Causes, Symptoms, Prevention And Treatment
Health
Published on: 11-May-2024
10 min read
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Lalita Vishwakarma
Bird Flu In India Causes, Symptoms, Prevention And Treatment
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Have you ever thought about the impact of avian influenza or bird flu on the livelihoods of poultry farmers and their families? Recurring bird flu outbreaks have caused significant damage to the economy of several regions, including the Kuttanad region in Kerala, where duck farming is a consistent source of income for many families.
The latest outbreak of avian influenza has led to the death and culling of over 65,000 birds, mostly ducks, at six hotspots, causing uncertainty and apprehension among stakeholders. In this blog, we will explore the bird flu in India, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, preventive measures, and treatment. Continue reading to get more details about avian flu or bird flu in India!
Table of Contents
What Is Bird Flu In India?
Understanding The Bird Flu Outbreak
Causes Of Bird Flu In India
Bird Flu Symptoms
Bird Flu Prevention Tips
How Is Bird Flu Diagnosed?
Treatments For Bird Flu In India
The Final Say
FAQs
References
What Is Bird Flu In India?
Bird flu, which is also known as avian flu, is a highly contagious and viral infection that affects all kinds of birds, including those that are commonly consumed. The virus spreads from bird to bird, and waterfowl like wild ducks and hens that travel along rivers are the primary carriers of this infection. Although it is rare, cross-species infection can occur, and humans and other mammals can get infected by affected birds.
Understanding The Bird Flu Outbreak
This disease is caused by a virus that usually infects wild birds. Sometimes, the virus can spread to domestic birds. Although it rarely affects humans, it can happen if the virus changes and can attach to human cells.
People who have been infected with bird flu have usually been in close contact with an infected bird. The most dangerous type of bird flu is H5N1, which has caused over 400 deaths since 2003. Another type, H7N9, has been reported since 2013 and affects people who consume live poultry. Although it is a serious disease, bird flu seldom spreads from person to person.
Causes Of Bird Flu In India
Here's a breakdown of the main causes of bird flu outbreaks in India:
Direct contact with infected birds: This can happen through handling live or dead infected birds, inhaling dust from their droppings or bedding, or even close contact with their saliva or nasal secretions. This is a common cause of bird flu transmission among poultry workers and people living close to bird farms.
Environmental transmission: Contaminated water sources or surfaces can harbour the virus and infect birds that come into contact with them. This can happen through migratory birds spreading the virus to new areas.
Live bird markets: These markets, where live birds are sold in close quarters, create ideal conditions for the virus to spread from infected birds to healthy ones.
Mutations in the virus: While bird flu viruses don't typically infect humans easily, mutations in the virus can allow it to adapt and become transmissible between people. This is a serious concern, and public health officials closely monitor bird flu outbreaks for any signs of such mutations.
Bird Flu Symptoms
Here are the most common symptoms of bird flu in humans:
Fever (above 100°F or 37.8°C) or feeling feverish
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Fatigue
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Less common symptoms include:
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Seizures
The severity of bird flu symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people may only experience mild illness, while others may develop severe pneumonia that requires hospitalisation.
Bird Flu Prevention Tips
Here are some of the healthy ways that you can practice to keep yourself and your loved ones from getting infected from bird flu in India:
Category | Action | Details |
Avoid Contact with Birds | Avoid wild birds, especially sick or dead birds. | Don't feed wild birds and avoid areas with large congregations of birds. |
Protect Yourself When Around Birds | Wear gloves and a mask (N95 if available) when handling live birds. | This applies to poultry farms, bird feeders, or if you raise birds at home. |
Practice Good Hygiene | Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. | Wash after handling birds, their droppings, or potentially contaminated surfaces. |
Safe Food Handling | Cook poultry products to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). | Use a food thermometer to ensure proper cooking. Don't wash raw poultry, as this can spread germs. |
General Health | Get a seasonal flu vaccine. | This can reduce the chances of getting both seasonal flu and bird flu at the same time. |
Also Read: 6 Home Remedies For Viral Fever: ToneOp
How Is Bird Flu Diagnosed?
Bird flu can be diagnosed by healthcare providers using a throat or nose swab. However, routine testing for avian flu is not typically done, so it is important to inform your healthcare professional if you have been in contact with birds or other animals that may be infected.
If avian flu is suspected, a sample will need to be sent to a laboratory for testing. It is important to seek medical attention promptly if you are experiencing symptoms or have been exposed to birds or other animals that may carry the virus.
Also Read: Covid Cases Increasing: Latest Update About India Cases
How Is Bird Flu Treated?
Bird flu can be treated with antiviral medications such as Tamiflu, Relenza, peramivir, or baloxavir. These drugs can help to prevent complications and improve the chances of survival. It's best to start taking the medication within 48 hours after the onset of symptoms, but it can still be effective in delayed cases.
The Final Say
Bird flu is a serious viral infection that affects birds of all kinds, including those that are commonly consumed. While it rarely affects humans, cross-species infection can occur, and public health officials are closely monitoring bird flu outbreaks for any signs of human-to-human transmission. The most effective way to prevent this viral flu is to keep yourself hygienic, avoid contact with infected birds, and cook poultry products to the recommended internal temperature.
FAQs
1. What is avian flu?
It is also known as bird flu and is a viral infection affecting birds, particularly poultry. It can spread to humans who come into contact with infected birds or their droppings.
2. What are the five common symptoms of avian flu?
The symptoms of avian flu in birds include:
Coughing
Sneezing
Runny nose
Diarrhoea
Decreased egg production
3. What are the common symptoms of avian flu in humans?
The avian flu symptoms in humans include
Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Muscle aches
Headache
4. How does avian flu spread to humans?
This viral flu can spread to humans by either by the droppings of infected birds or with direct contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. It can also spread from person to person, although this is rare.
5. How can I protect myself from avian flu?
To protect yourself from avian flu, you can follow the following tips:
It is important to avoid contact with sick or dead birds.
Maintain your hand hygiene by washing it thoroughly after handling poultry or eggs.
If you are travelling to an area where avian flu is common, you should avoid live bird markets and poultry farms.
References
About ToneOp
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