As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, another virus has been slowly making its way back into the headlines: bird flu. The highly contagious disease, which can be deadly for both birds and humans, has been reported in several countries around the globe, including India. But the real cause for concern is the fact that the virus is starting to mutate, much like the coronavirus. In this article, we’ll explore what the latest developments mean for India and whether the country is prepared to deal with the threat of a potential outbreak.
Bird flu or the avian influenza virus is posing a potential risk of outbreak for humans as the virus is mutating, according to experts. The virus, predominantly infecting birds, has recently shown new mutations that infected a man in Chile, putting humans at risk. The virus spreads via infected body fluids of birds, making it an air-borne infection that only affects the avian community. However, the new mutations in the H5N1 virus have raised serious concerns about spreading from human to human. The European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) reported that the potential risk of human spillover is increasing due to the new changes seen in the virus.
Chile confirmed the first human case of the H5N1 virus, infecting a 53-year-old man. Although the risk of transmission from human-to-human is low at present, there is a risk of further transmission with the virus showing new mutations. Similarly, China reported the first human death caused by the H3N8 bird flu strain, which is generally rare in humans. The H3N8 subtype of avian influenza is unusual to spread among human communities, making it even more dangerous for human lives.
Richard J. Webby, a bird flu expert at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, has identified severe human infections of the virus responsible for severe infections as H7N9 and H5N1. The symptoms are similar to those of the common flu, such as fever, body aches, sore throat, and cough. To become a threat to the human community, the H5 virus will have to undergo three major categories of changes. The sequence identified in the H5N1 virus infecting a man in Chile possesses one of these classes of changes. The virus experts predict, however, that this sequence is the easiest one for the virus to make.
India has seen cases of the H5N1 virus in poultry farms, with outbreaks reported every year. The risk of the virus turning from bird flu to human flu is high in India, and it is important to take safety measures during a bird flu outbreak. The WHO advises avoiding contact with high-risk environments such as live animal markets/farms, live poultry, or surfaces contaminated by poultry or bird faeces during a bird flu outbreak. Hand hygiene, frequent washing with soap and water, good food safety practices, and avoiding consumption of eggs or egg products from areas with outbreaks in poultry are essential to prevent the spread of bird flu. Although the likelihood of people becoming infected with bird flu viruses through contact with infected animals is low, unprotected exposure to an infected animal may lead to transmission.
Thus, experts are urging the public to take precautions to avoid the potential risks of bird flu outbreaks. With continuous genetic mutations happening in the virus, it is essential to monitor and study the situation regularly to prevent further transmission of the disease. It is high time that the world comes together and puts in collaborative efforts to combat new mutations that may lead to human outbreaks.
As the world continues to battle with the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to keep an eye on other viruses that have the potential to cause harm. The recent mutations in the bird flu virus are a cause for concern, especially for a densely populated country like India. While the virus hasn’t spread to humans yet, it’s important to remain vigilant and take preventive measures. The key is to be informed and prepared. With proper surveillance, early detection, and a robust healthcare system, India can mitigate the threat of the bird flu virus and ensure the safety of its citizens. We must remain proactive and work together to prevent the spread of any viruses, be it COVID-19 or bird flu, to protect ourselves and our communities.
