Avian Influenza

Second Human Fatality in India: A girl in Andhra Pradesh died from the H5N1 bird flu virus, marking India’s second confirmed human death from this strain since 2021.

Exposure and Symptoms: The girl reportedly consumed raw chicken and developed high fever and diarrhea before passing away on March 16.

H5N1 Overview: H5N1 is a type of avian influenza virus, deadly to birds and occasionally transmissible to humans.

Transmission & Fatality: Primarily spreads through direct contact with infected birds/contaminated environments. Human-to-human transmission is rare. H5N1 has a high mortality rate (~60%).

Global Context: First human cases emerged in 1997 (Hong Kong). Most cases have been in Asia, linked to close contact with infected birds. WHO recorded 972 confirmed human cases (2003-Feb 2025).

Symptoms & Treatment: Common symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches. Antiviral drugs (e.g., oseltamivir) are effective if administered early.

Prevention Measures: Medical officers are screening hospital visitors for fever, though government officials have ruled out an outbreak. Affected areas declared red zones.

Poultry Culling: Dozens of chickens died in Andhra Pradesh, resulting in the culling of hundreds of chickens in affected and nearby farms.

Pandemic Potential: While H5N1 poses a threat, one case isn’t indicative of a pandemic. The virus requires further study to determine if it is easily transmissible among humans. Avian influenza is not currently on the WHO priority list of pathogens of pandemic potential.

Chicken Consumption: Properly cooked chicken is safe to eat, as high temperatures kill the virus.