﻿ What Is Bird Flu? Should We Be Concerned? - Page 2

What Is Bird Flu Should We Be Concerned (cont.)

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A recent outbreak of bird flu that has affected humans involves the influenza A (H5N1) virus, sometimes referred to as the "H5N1 virus." Outbreaks of influenza H5N1 infection occurred in poultry in eight countries in Asia during late 2003 and 2004, resulting in more than 150 million birds either dying from the disease or being killed in order to try to control the outbreak. This widespread outbreak also led to documented human infections and deaths in several countries.

By March 2004, this outbreak was considered to be under control. Beginning in late June 2004, however, new outbreaks of influenza H5N1 among poultry were reported by several countries in Asia (Cambodia, China [Tibet], Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Russia [Siberia], Thailand, and Vietnam). Most recently, influenza H5N1 has been reported among poultry in Turkey and Romania. Outbreaks in wild and domestic birds are also under investigation in other countries.

Despite efforts to contain the outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) now considers the virus to be endemic in birds (meaning that the infection is steadily maintained) in many parts of Indonesia and Vietnam and in some parts of China, Cambodia, and Thailand.

In April 2013, four people in China were reported to be infected with a new strain of bird flu, known as H7N9. Two of the infected people died, and studies are under way to characterize how the virus was transmitted and whether or not it could be spread among humans.

When bird flu infects humans

Bird flu symptoms in humans can vary and range from "typical" flu symptoms (fever, sore throat, muscle pain) to eye infections and pneumonia. The disease caused by the H5N1 virus is a particularly severe form of pneumonia that leads to viral pneumonia and multiorgan failure in many people who become infected. Up to 50% of humans who contract bird flu die from the infection. During an outbreak of bird flu, people should avoid contact with domesticated bird populations and surfaces that may have been contaminated by bird excretions.

Over 100 humans have become infected in the current bird flu outbreak. Confirmed cases of human infections have occurred in Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Most of those infected have come from rural areas where many people keep poultry flocks that often roam freely and enter dwellings. Infected birds shed virus in their feces, leading to widespread contamination of homes and surroundings. Most of the people who have become infected were previously healthy adults and children. Infection also occurs during the slaughter of infected birds.

Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 12/9/2014