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Avian influenza (flu), commonly known as bird flu, is a non-human influenza A virus that causes infection in birds. Many wild species of birds carry influenza viruses without showing signs of illness. However, bird flu is very contagious among birds and some domesticated birds, such as chickens and ducks, may develop disease and die when infected with bird flu. Bird flu viruses normally infect only birds, although pigs may also become infected. They usually do not infect humans, but the latest outbreak of bird flu (H5N1) has infected over 300 people in parts of Asia and Africa. Those who have become infected have experienced serious illness and over half of the people who have become ill have died. However, this highly pathogenic avian influenza has not been found in birds or people in the United States (as of Summer 2007). Because avian influenza A viruses have the potential to change and gain the ability to spread easily between people, monitoring for human infection and person-to-person transmission is important. These viruses do not commonly infect humans and humans have little to no immune protection against them. If H5N1 virus were to gain the capacity to spread easily from person to person, an influenza pandemic (worldwide outbreak of disease) could begin. Avian Influenza Infections in Humans The main routes of human infection from bird flu is through direct contact with infected birds. Infected birds shed the virus in saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. A person can catch bird when an infected bird is slaughtered, de-feathered, butchered, or prepared for cooking. Human infection may also occur when a person comes in contact with bird feces, either in the environment or on contaminated surfaces. Eating undercooked poultry can also cause bird flu infection in people. Because heat kills the virus, a person cannot get the virus by eating properly cooked poultry or eggs. Cooking poultry to proper temperatures can also protect you from other organisms naturally carried by poultry. A person infected with bird flu could possibly have symptoms for up to 17 days. Symptoms reported have included typical flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches. Eye infections have also been reported. More serious symptoms include pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, viral pneumonia, and other severe and life-threatening complications. Treatment and Vaccination In the United States, there are four antivirals available for the treatment and prevention of influenza A viruses in humans. However, sometimes influenza strains can become resistant to these drugs, and therefore the drugs may not always be effective. H5N1 virus is resistant to two of the available antivirals. A person can reduce their chance of becoming infected with influenza by getting an annual flu shot, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, keeping your distance from others when you are sick, covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough, and washing your hands often. While vaccine development efforts are underway for H5N1, a vaccination against H5N1 is currently not available. Additional Information The World Health Organization (WHO) is coordinating the global response to H5N1 infections in humans. Visit them online at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/ for up-to-date information about the current situation.
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To contact us: |
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Ingham County Health Department Emergency Preparedness Program 5303 S. Cedar St P.O. Box 30161 Lansing, Michigan 48909-7661 |
