AVIAN FLU
Emerging Illnesses
INTRODUCTION
Bird flu is caused by a type of influenza virus that rarely infects humans. More
than a dozen types of bird flu have been identified, including the two strains that
have most recently infected humans — H5N1 and H7N9. When bird flu does strike
humans, it can be deadly.
The virus was first isolated from birds in South Africa in 1961.
Avian influenza A (H5N1) was first recognized in 1997 in Hong Kong.
During this outbreak, 18 people were affected, with six deaths and the outbreak was halted in
Hong Kong by slaughter of the chickens.
H5N1 has recently re-emerged in many Asian countries in slightly altered form. The disease
have been confirmed among poultry in Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Laos,
South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of bird flu may begin within two
to seven days of infection, depending on the type. In
most cases, they resemble those of conventional
influenza, including:
Cough
Fever
Sore Throat
Muscle aches
Headache
Shortness of breath
Some people also experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. And in a
few cases, a mild eye infection (conjunctivitis) is the only indication of
the disease.
Causes
Bird flu occurs naturally in wild waterfowl and can
spread into domestic poultry, such as chickens,
turkeys, ducks and geese. The disease is transmitted
via contact with an infected bird's feces, or secretions
from its nose, mouth or eyes.
Open-air markets, where eggs and birds are sold in
crowded and unsanitary conditions, are hotbeds of
infection and can spread the disease into the wider
community.
Undercooked poultry meat or eggs from infected birds
can transmit bird flu. Poultry meat is safe to eat if it's
been cooked to an internal temperature of 165 F (74
C). Eggs should be cooked until the yolks and whites
are firm.
Risk Factors
The greatest risk factor for bird flu seems to be
contact with sick birds or with surfaces
contaminated by their feathers, saliva or
droppings.
In very few instances, bird flu has been
transmitted from one human to another. But
unless the virus begins to spread more easily
among people, infected birds present the greatest
hazard.
Someone who eats undercooked poultry or eggs
a healthcare worker caring for infected patients
a household member of an infected person
Complications
People with bird flu may develop life-threatening complications, including:
Pneumonia
Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
Respiratory failure
Kidney dysfunction
Heart problems
Diagnosis
Avian influenza virus infection is usually
diagnosed by collecting a swab from the
upper respiratory tract (nose or throat) of the
sick person. (Testing is more accurate when
the swab is collected during the first few
days of illness.)
Treatment
Many influenza viruses have become resistant
to the effects of a category of antiviral drugs
that includes amantadine and rimantadine
(Flumadine). Health officials recommend the
use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or, if oseltamivir
can't be used, zanamivir (Relenza). These
drugs must be taken within two days after the
appearance of symptoms.
How does the flu spread?
To protect yourself against the flu, it’s best to understand
how the virus spreads. The flu is highly contagious. It can
spread quickly in households, schools, offices, and
among groups of friends.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) Trusted Source, it’s possible to
transmit the flu to someone as early as 1 day before
symptoms begin and up to 5 to 7 days after you become
sick.
How can the flu be
prevented?
Since the flu virus can be transmitted from person to person, make sure you wash
your hands frequently with soap or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Also avoid
touching your nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
The flu virus can live on hard surfaces and objects for up to 48 hours. Use
disinfectant wipes or spray on commonly touched surfaces in your home or at work
to further protect yourself.
If you’re caring for someone who has the flu, wear a face mask to protect yourself.
You can help stop the spread of the flu by covering your cough and sneezes.
Additionally, consider getting an annual flu vaccination. The vaccine is
recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months. It protects against common
strains of the flu virus. Although the vaccine isn’t 100 percent effective, it can
reduce the risk of flu by 40 to 60 percent, according to the CDC.
Recommendations for travelers
If you're traveling to Southeast Asia or to any region with bird flu outbreaks,
consider these public health recommendations:
Avoid domesticated birds. If possible, avoid rural areas, small farms and
open-air markets.
Wash your hands. This is one of the simplest and best ways to prevent
infections of all kinds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at
least 60 percent alcohol when you travel.
Ask about a flu shot. Before traveling, ask your doctor about a flu shot. It
won't protect you specifically from bird flu, but it may help reduce the risk
of simultaneous infection with bird and human flu viruses.
