What you need to know about bird flu

THE H5N1 is a highly pathogenic avian (bird) flu virus that has caused serious outbreaks in domestic poultry. Highly pathogenic refers to the virus’s ability to produce disease.

Although it does not usually infect humans, nearly 650 cases of human cases have been reported from 15 countries since 2003. Nigeria recorded the first outbreak in Africa in 2006.

Avian Influenza in Poultry

Domesticated birds (chickens, turkeys, etc.) may become infected with avian influenza A viruses through direct contact with infected waterfowl or other infected poultry, or through contact with surfaces that have been contaminated with the viruses.

Infection of poultry can cause disease that affects multiple internal organs with mortality up to 90-100 percent, often within 48 hours. Some ducks can be infected without any signs of illness.

Human infection

Human infection with H5N1 is rare. Most infections occurred after direct or close contact with infected poultry. Most human cases of infection have occurred in people who had recent contact with sick or dead poultry that were infected with H5N1 viruses. About 60 percent of people infected with the virus died from their illness. Unlike other types of flu, H5N1 usually does not spread between people. You cannot get infected with these viruses from properly handled and cooked poultry or eggs.

Symptoms

Symptoms and possible complications of highly pathogenic H5N1 in people can include fever and cough, acute respiratory distress, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

Complications

Pneumonia,respiratory failure, shock, altered mental state, seizures, failure of multiple organs (e.g. kidney failure), death.

Detection in Humans

Avian influenza virus infection in humans cannot be diagnosed by clinical signs and symptoms alone; laboratory testing is required. Infection is usually diagnosed by collecting a swab from the nose or throat and sending to a laboratory. Sometimes it may be possible to diagnose infection by detecting specific antibodies the body has produced in response to the virus.

Prevention

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid any contact with sick or dead poultry. This includes avoiding visiting live poultry markets that may be infected. Also avoid sick people who might have H5N1 virus infection in affected countries.

Risk from cooked poultry

You cannot get highly pathogenic H5N1 virus infection from properly handled and cooked poultry and eggs. When preparing poultry or eggs, wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw poultry or eggs. Clean cutting boards and other utensils with soap and water to keep raw poultry from contaminating other foods.

- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/01/need-know-bird-flu/#sthash.EhsUSpcO.dpuf