Title : BIRD FLU

Date : Dec 11, 2021

Description :

GS II

 

Topic à Health related issues

 

• Why is it in the news:

 

• In Kerala's Kuttanad region, new cases of avian flu have been identified. Bird culling squads have been constituted in the affected areas.
• The H5N1 influenza virus has been detected in samples.

 

• What exactly is avian flu:

 

• Avian influenza is another name for bird flu.
• It's a sickness caused by avian influenza Type A viruses, which can be found in wild birds all over the world.
• Symptoms of influenza-like sickness have ranged from mild to severe.
• current events

 

• Classification:

 

• Hemagglutinin (HA) and Neuraminidase, two proteins found on the surfaces of avian influenza type A viruses, are used to classify them (NA).
• There are approximately 18 HA and 11 NA subtypes.
• H5N1, H7N2, H9N6, H17N10, and other combinations of these two proteins are feasible.

 

• Spread:

 

• Human infections with avian and swine influenza have been reported.
• The infection is fatal, with a fatality rate of approximately 60%.
• Direct touch is the most typical way for viruses to spread. If they come into touch with polluted surfaces or air near infected chickens, they may become infected as well.

 

 

• Is it possible for the virus to spread to humans:

 

• There have been no reported cases of H5N8 in humans.
• The risk to the general public is quite low.
• There is also no evidence that the virus may be transmitted to humans through the intake of poultry meat or eggs.
• During control and containment efforts, however, adequate care must be taken when handling sick/dead birds and contaminated material.
• Eating properly prepared poultry items is deemed safe.

 

• Control measures include:

 

• When an infection is found in animals, culling is frequently done to control it.
• Aside from culling, proper disposal of all culled animals and animal products is critical.
• Authorities must also severely enforce cleanup of infected buildings and place contaminated vehicles and persons under quarantine.

 

• Source à The Hindu à 10/12/21 à Page Number 5

Tags : H5N8, influenza Type A viruses