WEB Avian influenza A bird flu viruses may be transmitted from infected birds to other animals and potentially to humans in two main ways Directly from infected birds or from avian influenza A virus. It can be transmitted freely within and among cervid populations. Take Action to Prevent the Spread of Flu Between Birds and People Influenza antiviral drugs can be used to treat influenza infections. WEB Elinor L Baron MD DTMH Since the early 20 th century there have been four. WEB Migratory birds especially waterfowl are a natural reservoir of the avian influenza virus They carry and exchange different virus strains along their migration routes leading to..
WEB Avian influenza A bird flu viruses may be transmitted from infected birds to other animals and potentially to humans in two main ways Directly from infected birds or from avian influenza A virus. It can be transmitted freely within and among cervid populations. Take Action to Prevent the Spread of Flu Between Birds and People Influenza antiviral drugs can be used to treat influenza infections. WEB Elinor L Baron MD DTMH Since the early 20 th century there have been four. WEB Migratory birds especially waterfowl are a natural reservoir of the avian influenza virus They carry and exchange different virus strains along their migration routes leading to..
Researchgate
**Urgent Update: Interim Recommendations for Prevention of Avian Influenza A (H5N1)** As avian influenza (bird flu) continues to spread among wildlife and poultry worldwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued interim recommendations for healthcare providers to help prevent human infections. **HPAI A(H5N1) Virus in Animals: A Growing Concern** The highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus has caused outbreaks in wild birds and poultry in recent years, with sporadic human infections reported. The virus is highly contagious in birds and can be fatal. **Interim Recommendations for Healthcare Providers** Clinicians are advised to consider HPAI A(H5N1) virus infection in patients exhibiting: * Acute respiratory illness * Conjunctivitis (pink eye) Additionally, patients who have had contact with infected birds or poultry should be assessed for possible exposure. **Prevention and Monitoring** To prevent human infection, healthcare providers are urged to: * Take precautions to prevent exposure to infected animals or contaminated environments. * Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). * Report suspected cases of HPAI A(H5N1) infection to local health authorities. * Stay informed about the latest updates on the outbreak. **Public Health Implications** While the risk of infection for the general public remains low, the CDC emphasizes the importance of public health surveillance and preparedness. Individuals who come into contact with infected animals or poultry are advised to: * Seek immediate medical attention if they experience respiratory symptoms or conjunctivitis. * Follow instructions from local health authorities. The CDC will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. Healthcare providers are encouraged to stay informed and follow the recommended guidelines to protect both human and animal health.
**Bird Flu Outbreak Raises Pandemic Concerns** **April 5, 2024** Multiple states across the US are experiencing outbreaks of bird flu among dairy cows, with at least one case of infection reported in a farmworker in Texas. These incidents have sparked fears that the virus could pose a significant threat to human health. **Potential for Zoonotic Transmission** Health officials are concerned that the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A H5N1 viruses responsible for the outbreaks could potentially spread to humans. The emergence of zoonotic strains of bird flu viruses has been a growing concern worldwide. **Developing a Candidate Vaccine** In response to these concerns, researchers are working to develop a candidate vaccine virus (CVV) that could protect against the HPAI A H5N1 virus. The CVV is designed to be both safe and effective in preventing infection in humans. **Modernizing Flu Vaccination** The US government has set a goal of delivering first doses of a flu vaccine within 12 weeks of the declaration of an influenza pandemic. This plan, known as the "10-Year Playbook," aims to modernize the flu vaccination process to ensure a rapid response to potential emergencies. **Vaccine Safety Concerns** Traditional flu vaccines use inactivated or live attenuated viruses, which can pose biosafety risks. Subunit vaccines, on the other hand, offer higher biosafety and immunogenicity. Researchers are exploring the use of subunit vaccines to develop a safe and effective CVV for bird flu. **Conclusion** The recent bird flu outbreaks in the US are a reminder of the potential risks posed by zoonotic viruses. Researchers and health officials are actively working to develop effective vaccines and surveillance systems to mitigate the threat and protect public health.
Sites Duke Express
**Avian Flu Threat: Transmission and Prevention** **By Elinor L. Baron, MD, DTMH** Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a serious threat to both birds and humans. This virus can be transmitted in two primary ways: * **Direct contact with infected birds:** Humans can contract avian flu by handling sick or dead birds, their feathers, or their droppings. * **Environmental exposure:** The virus can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as poultry products, water, or soil. Of particular concern is the ability of avian influenza to spread within and among cervid populations, including deer and elk. **Symptoms of Avian Flu in Humans** In humans, avian flu can cause a range of symptoms, including: * Fever * Chills * Muscle aches * Sore throat * Cough * Shortness of breath Severe cases can lead to pneumonia, respiratory failure, and even death. **Preventing the Spread of Avian Flu** To prevent the spread of avian flu, it is crucial to take the following precautions: * Avoid contact with sick or dead birds and their droppings. * Wash your hands thoroughly after handling poultry products. * Cook poultry thoroughly to kill any viruses. * Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after handling birds or poultry products. * Report any suspected cases of avian flu in animals or humans to your local health authorities. **Treatment for Avian Flu** Antiviral medications can be used to treat avian influenza infections. These drugs are most effective when taken within the first 48 hours of symptom onset. **History of Avian Flu Pandemics** Since the early 20th century, there have been four major avian flu pandemics: * 1918-1920: The Spanish Flu pandemic, estimated to have killed between 50 and 100 million people worldwide. * 1957-1958: The Asian Flu pandemic, which killed an estimated 1 million people. * 1968-1969: The Hong Kong Flu pandemic, which killed an estimated 1 million people. * 2009-2010: The H1N1 pandemic, also known as the "swine flu" pandemic, which killed an estimated 284,500 people worldwide. The emergence of new avian flu strains remains a constant threat to global health. Vigilance and preventive measures are crucial to mitigate the risk of future pandemics.
Comments