Does avian influenza infect humans?
Humans can be infected with avian, swine and other zoonotic influenza viruses, such as avian influenza virus subtypes A(H5N1), A(H7N9), and A(H9N2) and swine influenza virus subtypes A(H1N1), A(H1N2) and A(H3N2).
How is avian flu transmitted to humans?
How Do Humans Get Bird Flu? People catch bird flu by close contact with birds or bird droppings. In the 2014 outbreak, some people caught H5N1 from cleaning or plucking infected birds. There were reports in China of infection via inhalation of aerosolized materials in live bird markets.
Is bird flu deadly to humans?
It’s deadly to birds and can easily affect humans and other animals that come in contact with a carrier. According to the World Health Organization , H5N1 was first discovered in humans in 1997 and has killed nearly 60 percent of those infected. Currently, the virus isn’t known to spread via human-to-human contact.
Who is most affected by avian influenza virus?
In some cases, bird flu can cause serious complications and death. As with seasonal flu, some people are at higher risk for serious illness. They include pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and adults 65 and older.
Is it safe to eat chicken and eggs in bird flu?
As confirmed by the World Health Organisation, it is absolutely safe to eat bird eggs and/or meat if they are washed and cooked properly. They do not carry any viral strain responsible for bird flu, and are thus safe to eat.
Is it okay to eat chicken during bird flu?
According to a guideline issued by WHO, consumption of properly cleaned and cooked chicken and eggs at a minimum temperature 70 degrees Celsius was deemed safe for consumption.
What caused bird flu?
Avian influenza refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses. These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. Avian flu viruses do not normally infect humans.
How can you protect yourself from bird flu?
Please refrain from touching dead birds with bare hands. Please avoid being near wild birds and observe them only from a distance. Meat and meat products (and eggs) should not be consumed unless they are thoroughly cooked. Please do not handle or touch domestic birds that are sick or dead.
Can you get bird flu from eating chicken?
This said, the consumption of poultry meat and eggs is not considered to be the principal source of transmission. Studies have noted that H5N1 viruses spread from poultry to humans primarily by contact with respiratory secretions, faeces, blood and the organs of infected birds.