The threat of Avian Influenza, also known as bird flu, is escalating with the confirmation of a second human case in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Monday that a dairy worker in Texas tested positive for the virus.
This news comes amidst growing scientific concern about the current bird flu outbreak. Some experts, like Dr Suresh Kuchipudi, a bird flu researcher in Pittsburgh, noted that bird flu has been on the “top of the pandemic list for many, many years and probably decades”, emphasising the need for preparedness. Speaking at a briefing attended by bird flu researchers, doctors and officials from government agencies, Dr Kuchipudi said that “now we are getting dangerously close to this virus potentially causing a pandemic,” as reported by Daily Mail, a UK-based news outlet.
The outlet also quoted John Fulton as saying, “This appears to be 100 times worse than Covid, or it could be if it mutates and maintains its high case fatality rate. Once it’s mutated to infect humans, we can only hope that the [fatality rate] drops”. It should be noted that Fulton is a pharmaceutical industry consultant for vaccines and founder of Canada-based pharmaceutical company BioNiagara, and also the one who organised the meeting after receiving enquiries from the media.
These concerns follow recent reports from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) of avian flu outbreaks in specific dairy cow herds in Texas. The situation has worsened since late March, with the virus now confirmed in dairy herds across five states: Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, and Texas.
Let us first understand what is bird flu, if this current strain is a mutation before deciding if you should be worried or not.
According to CDC, bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with bird flu viruses have occurred. (Representational Photo)
What is bird flu? Does it affect humans?
The CDC defines avian influenza or bird flu, as the disease caused by an infection of avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses. “These viruses naturally spread among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.”
Dr Syed Abdul Aleem, consultant pulmonologist, CARE Hospitals, Musheerabad, explained that it is a viral infection, primarily affecting the respiratory system. Symptoms of this infection can range from mild to severe, even causing the death of birds, he added.
According to CDC, bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with bird flu viruses have occurred.
Dr Aleem agreed, but warned that if infected, the H5N1 flu can cause severe health risks. Individuals involved in directly working with poultry are more prone to contact with this infection.
According to the Pan-American Health Organization, symptoms in humans infected with bird flu can be fever, cough, body aches, pneumonia, shock, difficulty in breathing and in some cases death.
No cases of infection have been reported in India yet (Express File Photo)
Is this a new strain of bird flu?
Type A H5N1 was first detected in 1959, said Dr Aleem. However, he added that bird flu has endured evolutionary changes and developed newer strains. Experts have also pointed out that it is not a new strain and is already present in animals.
“Sequencing of the virus has shown some minor mutation changes. However, the presence of this virus in mammals like cows, cats, etc is highly concerning,” warned Dr Aleem.
Should you be worried about it?
According to Dr Aleem, the emergence of the second case in the US is concerning, to say the least. However, increased surveillance is being conducted to curb the spread of the virus.
“No cases of infection have been reported in India yet, but vigilance is to be maintained while monitoring the turn of events in the United States,” he said. “In any case, preparing for a possible breakout and keeping an eye on developments can help prepare for the casualties.”
