Ongoing Avian Influenza Outbreaks In Animals Pose Risk To Humans

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, continues to pose a significant risk to both animal and human health as ongoing outbreaks persist around the world. This infectious viral disease primarily affects birds, particularly poultry, but certain strains have the potential to infect humans, leading to severe health implications.

Avian influenza viruses belong to the influenza A virus family and are categorised into different subtypes based on their surface proteins, namely hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). Among these subtypes, H5N1 and H7N9 have garnered substantial attention due to their ability to cause severe illness in humans.

The main concern with avian influenza outbreaks is the potential for the virus to undergo genetic mutations or reassortment, leading to the emergence of new strains that are capable of efficient human-to-human transmission. While such instances remain rare, they have the potential to spark a global pandemic with devastating consequences.

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The transmission of avian influenza viruses to humans usually occurs through close contact with infected birds or their contaminated environments. People involved in the poultry industry, such as farmers, butchers, and poultry workers, are particularly susceptible to exposure. However, sporadic cases of human-to-human transmission have been reported, emphasising the need for heightened vigilance.

Symptoms of avian influenza in humans can range from mild respiratory illness to severe respiratory distress, organ failure, and even death. Prompt identification, surveillance, and strict infection control measures are vital to preventing the spread of the disease and mitigating its impact on human health.