In the last few months, the risk of avian flu (bird flu) has been reported increasing in many countries of the world. If we look at the recent reports, it is known that cases of avian flu are also being reported in humans through cows and milk.
Recently, the third human case of bird flu has been identified in the US. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that this was the second human case of H5N1 in the US state of Michigan. Earlier in April, a person was found infected with bird flu in Texas.
Earlier in an April report, the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that the bird flu virus has also been found in raw cow milk. Not only this, the virus was seen in very high concentrations in milk. Scientists say that H5N1 infection in humans can be many times more deadly than corona. All people should continue to take precautions to prevent this.
Alerts issued in four states in India
Along with America, now India has also been alerted about the increasing cases of the H5N1 virus. The central government has issued an advisory regarding avian influenza and advised four states to take special precautions. The affected states are Andhra Pradesh (Nellore district), Maharashtra (Nagpur district), Jharkhand (Ranchi district) and Kerala (Alappuzha, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts).
The central government has said that all states and union territories (UTs) should keep an eye on any unusual deaths in birds or chickens. Along with this, all people need to avoid coming in close contact with them.
Risk of virus infection
The CDC said in a report, that at present, cases of infection of H5N1 virus from one person to another have not been seen. However, all people need to remain constantly cautious about its symptoms and risks of infection. In case of infection with this virus, symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Health experts say that most of the symptoms of bird flu look like influenza. It is important to identify it in time.
Know the symptoms of bird flu (avian influenza)
In the case of bird flu, most of the symptoms are seen like normal flu. It may cause fever, fatigue, cough, muscle pain, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, runny nose and shortness of breath. Some people have also been seen to have the risk of conjunctivitis due to bird flu. It is considered important to pay attention to these symptoms in time and get treatment.
Risk of avian flu and prevention methods
This infection can occur in humans by coming in contact with the body fluids of an animal infected with H5N1, such as spit (saliva), droplets released by sneezing and coughing, or feces. Its risk is mainly high among chickens and birds. However, in America, the risk of infection has also been seen due to cows and raw milk, about which all people have been warned.
There is a low risk of bird flu spreading from one person to another. The risk can be reduced by avoiding close contact with birds, wild animals and livestock, taking care of hand hygiene, and wearing masks.
(PC: ISTOCK)
