A possible return of the dreaded bird flu was announced in the form of a warning by the United Nations on Monday, citing a mutant strain that is spreading in Asia. Otherwise known as avian influenza virus, bird flu occurs mainly in birds, but infections can spread to humans. The first case of this virus, H5N1, infecting a human occurred in Hong Kong in 1997. Here are the important facts and statistics related to bird flu.
How is bird flu transmitted to humans?
Wild birds that are infected with avian influenza shed and transmit the virus through their saliva, nasal secretions and stool droppings. Other domesticated birds species like chickens, turkeys and ducks can easily acquire the virus from contact with infected wild birds.
The majority of cases of humans infected with bird flu are caused through contact with poultry as described above. To date, there is not enough valid evidence that suggests humans can transmit this virus to one another, but there are some instances in which the World Health Organization believes this is possible, according to reports by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bird flu in humans is cause for concern due to the propensity for the virus to mutate rapidly and change to a form which is very infectious to humans and may be more easily spread.
What are the symptoms in humans of bird flu?
Symptoms can range from general flu-like symptoms to more severe symptoms and complications. These include: fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, eye infections, pneumonia and severe respiratory illnesses.
Statistics
As of Aug. 19, there have been 565 documented cases of bird flu worldwide, as reported by the Kaiser Foundation. None of these cases has occurred in the U.S. and almost 80 percent of the cases have occurred in Indonesia, Egypt and Vietnam.
Mortality approaches 60 percent in cases of avian flu or H5N1 virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Treatment for Bird Flu
Many of the influenza viruses are resistant to the typical antiviral therapy that has been prescribed in the past. Current guidelines indicate the use of oseltamivir, or Tamiflu, and zanamivir, or Relenza, and the protocol indicates that they be taken within the initial 48 hours after symptoms appear.
Suggestions for Travelers to Asian Countries
For anyone with a travel itinerary to any of the countries with current outbreaks of bird flu, the suggestion is to have a flu shot prior to leaving. In addition frequent hand washing and avoiding places where domesticated birds can be found is advised.
Margie Miklas is a critical-care nurse with more than 30 years experience. She currently works in south Florida in a cardiovascular ICU with a specialty certification in cardiac surgery.
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