Australia has reported its first human case of bird flu (H5N1) in a child. Here is all you need to know about avian flu from symptoms to precautions.
In a first, avian flu H5N1 human case has been reported in Australia’s Victoria. According to the Australian health authorities, a child had contracted the virus and reportedly he or she may have contracted it in their time in India in March 2024. However, The officials also ruled out the possibility of further spread in the community.
“The child experienced a severe infection but is no longer unwell and has made a full recovery,” said Dr Clare Looker, Chief Health Officer, Victoria in a statement, as quoted by IANS. “There is no evidence of transmission in Victoria and the chance of additional human cases is very low as avian influenza does not easily spread between people,” Dr Looker added.
The report comes amidst a global outbreak of H5N1, including India, that has killed millions of wild birds and thousands of mammals. In 2023, the H5N1 virus killed a record number of birds and also spread to otters, sea lions, foxes, dolphins, and seals, among others. More recently, it affected numerous cattle farms across the US, and fragments of the virus were found in pasteurised milk sold in stores.
Can H5N1 be Transmitted Via Humans?
A Texas man, in contact with dairy cows, has reportedly acquired the virus.While the H5N1 virus has so far not caused any human-to-human transmission, the spread of the virus to dairy cattle has raised “enormous concern”, the World Health Organisation said recently.
Bird Flu H5N1 Symptoms:
H5N1 infection typically causes fever, cough, headache, aching muscles, respiratory problems, conjunctivitis, and gastrointestinal problems. The infection may progress quickly to severe respiratory illness and neurological changes.
Preventive Tips
- Wash hands after contact with a contaminated surface
- Wear a mask when handling birds
- Countries should increase public awareness
- Avoid contact with high-risk environments such as live animal markets/farms, live poultry, or
- Be vigilant and avoid surfaces that may be contaminated by poultry or bird faeces.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), bird flu was first detected in 1997 and has nearly taken the lives of 60 per cent of people who were affected. Earlier in April 2024, there were reports of death of Penguins caused due to bird flu in Antarctica.
So, far, for H5N1, there are no reports of human-to-human transmission. But it is important to take all the necessary precautions and steer clear of any sort of infection or virus.
(With IANS Inputs)