Bird flu: what are its symptoms in humans?

A man in Louisiana has been hospitalized due to a severe case of bird flu H5N1, marking the first such incident in the country

Bird flu: what are its symptoms in humans?

A man in Louisiana, United States, has been hospitalized due to a severe case of bird flu H5N1, marking the first such incident in the country.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the patient had contact with infected or deceased birds on his property.

What is the H5N1 bird flu strain?

This virus is the same type that has been identified in recent human cases in Canada and the state of Washington, as well as in wild and domestic birds in the United States. It is different from the B3.13 strain, which has been detected in dairy cows, some poultry outbreaks, and other human cases across the country.

How many bird flu cases in humans have been reported in the U.S.?

61 cases of this disease in humans have been reported since April of this year. Most of the patients are workers from the dairy and poultry industries.

 

READ ALSO Who is Liam Lawson, the driver who will replace Sergio ‘Checo’ Pérez?

 

Symptoms of bird flu in humans

The most common symptoms of this disease are:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle aches
  • Eye infections
  • Pneumonia
  • Severe respiratory illnesses
  • Severe and fatal complications

What causes bird flu in humans?

Although avian influenza A viruses generally do not cause infections in humans, isolated cases of human infections by these viruses have been reported.

The severity of the disease in humans varies, ranging from asymptomatic or mild infections to severe cases that have led to death.

Infected birds transmit the virus through their saliva, mucus, and feces. Other animals infected with these viruses may have the pathogen present in their respiratory secretions, different organs, blood, or other bodily fluids, including milk. Human infections can occur when the virus comes into contact with a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth or by inhalation.

How does bird flu spread from person to person?

So far, there have been no reports of person-to-person transmission of avian influenza virus anywhere in the world. This could only happen if the virus undergoes a mutation that allows it to acquire that capability, which could lead to a potential pandemic.

How long does bird flu last?

The incubation period varies between 2 and 8 days and, in some cases, can extend up to 17 days, which is longer than seasonal flu.

How is bird flu treated in humans?

It is recommended to administer antiviral treatment as soon as possible to individuals confirmed or suspected of being infected with the avian influenza A(H5N1) virus.

The recommended medications may include oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), or peramivir (Rapivab), although the specific treatment will be determined by the doctor based on each case.

How to prevent bird flu in humans?

The most effective strategy is to prevent exposure. Infected birds can release the virus through their saliva, mucus, and feces, while other animals can do so through their respiratory secretions and bodily fluids, including raw cow milk.

How is bird influenza diagnosed?

To diagnose the disease, a healthcare professional will take a sample of fluid from your nose and throat to look for signs of avian flu infection. If you have conjunctivitis, a sample of fluid from your eyes may also be necessary.

 

⇒ SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CONTENT ON GOOGLE NEWS

Obtén un més gratis a Merca2.0 premium

Cancela en cualquier momento
Acceso exclusivo a rankings y radiografías.
Análisis profundos y casos de estudio de éxito.
Historial de la revista impresa en formato digital.

¡Disfruta de lo mejor del marketing sin costo alguno por un mes!

Premium

Popular

More in Merca2.0

Related Articles

You don't have credit card details available. You will be redirected to update payment method page. Click OK to continue.