More than four years have passed since the Corona epidemic that started in December 2019, although scientists are not clear about how long it will continue. It is being said in some studies that the coronavirus is undergoing mutation from time to time due to which there is a constant threat of new variants. In such a situation, all people need to continue taking precautions to prevent infection. Although due to vaccination and herd immunity, serious cases of infection are now being seen less, Covid-19 and the health risks caused by it remain a cause of great concern.
For example, the threat of Corona is not over yet, meanwhile, scientists in a recent report have alerted people about another highly infectious disease increasing in America. Recently, experts have issued an alert after cases of bird flu or avian influenza (H5N1) infection were reported in some people and cattle in America.
H5N1 infection has been considered a serious pathogen and fatal for humans. Not only this, scientists say that H5N1 infection in humans can be many times more deadly than corona.
Bird flu is more dangerous than corona
American scientists said-
Bird flu has the potential to cause a devastating pandemic that could be 100 times worse than Covid. While scientists around the world are busy preparing to fight the unknown Disease X, the increasing cases of H5N1 in humans have raised concerns.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report on its website detailing the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in Texas and advising people to remain alert.
Transmission from infected cows to humans
The CDC reports that the person found infected in Texas probably worked with cows infected with the bird flu virus. This is the first time that this virus has been found in cows and this is also the first case of bird flu spreading from cow to human. Regarding the report of the investigation of the infected person, CDC experts said that genome sequencing of the influenza virus was done on the patient. The virus seen in this person's body is almost identical to that found in cows and birds in Texas.
Alert regarding H5N1 infection
It is worth noting that in earlier reports also, health experts have been saying that any case of H5N1 can be worrying because it is very dangerous for humans. At present there is no indication of this virus spreading from one infected person to another. CDC is closely studying this emerging and rapidly developing problem in the United States.
Experts said- It is important for people in the affected places to remain alert to prevent this disease. Close contact with wild birds, poultry, other domesticated birds, and domestic animals (including cows) should be avoided.
Keep these things in mind to protect yourself from bird flu
The CDC said bird flu can have serious health risks, so you must continue to protect yourself from its dangers. For this, it is important to keep some things in mind.
Avoid unprotected contact with animal feces, bedding, raw milk, or materials that may have had contact with suspected birds or other animals.
Avoid consuming meat from animals potentially infected with H5N1 bird flu virus infection.
Milk should be consumed only after boiling it properly. This may help kill influenza viruses.
One should avoid visiting areas where poultry is reared.
(PC: ISTOCK)
