Prognosis
|
Images
|
Definition|
|
Other names: Bird flu, or avian flu
Bird flu, or avian flu, is an infectious
type of influenza that spreads among birds. In rare cases, it can affect
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.
A new strain of bird flu was identified in
China in 2013. The influenza A virus is termed H7N9 (H7N9 Chinese bird flu).
The identification of the virus (H7N9) was reported Mar. 31, 2013; the strain
is antigenically different from the H5N1 bird flu virus. Unfortunately, the
H7N9 strain of bird flu seems to be genetically unstable. Since its discovery,
at least 48 different subtypes of H7N9 have been identified. Because some H7N9
viruses are persistent in some chicken flocks in China, researchers are
concerned that the strains will continue to swap genes with other flu viruses
and may start a new pandemic.
Health
officials worry that a global outbreak could occur if a bird flu virus mutates
into a form that transmits more easily from person to person. Researchers are
working on vaccines to help protect people from bird flu.
Symptoms|
|
Signs and symptoms of bird flu may begin
within two to eight 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
- Diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal (tummy) pain, chest pain, and bleeding from the nose and gums have also been reported as early symptoms in some people.
These symptoms can come on suddenly. The
time from infection to the start of symptoms (incubation period) is usually
three to five days, although in some cases it can be up to seven days.
Within days of
symptoms appearing, potentially fatal complications such as pneumonia, acute
respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ failure may develop. Prompt
treatment with antiviral medication may help prevent complications and reduce
the risk of death.
Causes|
|
Bird flu is caused by strains of the
influenza virus that have evolved to be specially adapted to enter avian cells.
There are three main types of influenza: A, B, and C.
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.
