In a recent rise of events, experts have pointed out their concerns over the bird flu pandemic’s possible rapid spread. This spread might result in a remarkably large death toll and could be “100 times worse than the Covid pandemic”, according to reports.
Experts who voiced concerns about the potential for a new pandemic during a recent briefing on the H5N1 strain of bird flu were cited in the paper. Scientists cautioned that the virus is nearing a tipping point where it could initiate a global pandemic.
Dr. Suresh Kuchipudi, a prominent bird flu expert based in Pittsburgh, issued a warning during a recent briefing, expressing concern that due to H5N1 flu’s ability to infect various mammals, including humans, “we are nearing a dangerous point where this virus could trigger a pandemic.”
The situation became highly concerning when a man from Texas contracted the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, believed to have originated from dairy cows infected with the virus. Given that humans lack immunity to this strain, the European Union’s Food Safety Agency (EFSA) issued a warning on Wednesday regarding the potential for a widespread bird flu pandemic if the virus were to spread among humans.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, since 2003, more than 50% of individuals infected with the H5N1 virus have died, representing a fatality rate of 52 out of every 100 cases. Meanwhile, the mortality rate for COVID-19 has decreased from 20% at the beginning of the pandemic to 0.1% currently.
What is H5N1 flu?
Dr Tushar Tayal, Lead Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram explained that the H5N1 is a subtype of avian influenza A which is a group of related bird flu viruses. It’s considered highly pathogenic because it causes severe and often fatal illness in poultry and can also cause illness in humans and many other species. A risk factor for contracting the virus is the handling of infected poultry.
In general, humans who catch Bird flu usually have symptoms that include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, conjunctivitis, and, in severe cases, breathing problems and pneumonia that may be fatal, he explained. Conjunctivitis, gastrointestinal symptoms, encephalitis and encephalopathy have also been reported.
Dr Tushar told Financial Express.com that the reported mortality rate of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in a human is high; WHO data indicate 60% of cases classified as H5N1 resulted in death.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 52 out of every 100 people diagnosed with H5N1 bird flu have died since 2003, with a total of 462 deaths out of 887 cases. In contrast, the current fatality rate for COVID-19 is less than 0.1 percent.
The World Health Organization (WHO) was notified about a case of human infection with an influenza A(H5N1) virus on 25 March 2024 by the national authorities of Vietnam. A poultry facility in Michigan and an egg producer in Texas in the US have also reported outbreaks of avian flu this week.
What are the symptoms?
It is a highly contagious infectious disease that primarily affects birds, including domestic poultry and wild birds, Dr Mayank Saxena, Additional Director – Pulmonology, Fortis Hospital, Noida told Financial Express.com.
Generally symptoms include:
common cold,
high fever,
cough,
sore throat,
muscle aches,
shortness of breath,
pneumonia,
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
and even organ failure
How does Bird Flu spread?
Human cases of H5N1 infection usually occur through direct or close contact with infected birds or their droppings.
According to Dr. Saxena, transmission from human to human is rare but possible. The virus can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.
How to prevent Bird Flu?
Avoiding contact with birds, frequent hand washing with soap and water, especially after handling birds or visiting poultry markets, thoroughly cooking Poultry to kill the virus, using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when handling sick or dead birds, and avoiding traveling to outbreak areas can help to prevent the spread of bird flu, Dr. Saxena revealed.
Antiviral medications may be prescribed to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, he said.
