AKURAT.CO In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic that has not yet subsided, China reported the first human case of H10N3 bird flu, Tuesday (1/6/2021). China’s National Health Commission said a 41-year-old man in Jiangsu Province, northwest of Shanghai, had been hospitalized since April 28, 2021, with H10N3 bird flu.
Quotes Live Science, H10N3 is a variant of avian influenza with low or less dangerous pathogenic properties. According to the United States (US) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the disease is common in wild waterbirds worldwide, and can still infect domestic poultry and other species of birds and animals.
Meanwhile, transmission to humans is still relatively rare. However, this cross infection can indeed occur. Quotes Prevention.com, infected birds excrete bird flu in their saliva, mucus, and feces. It then infects humans through the eyes, nose, or mouth, or by inhalation of infected droplets or dust.
“The big concern is whether certain types of bird flu that are present in humans can be passed from person to person,” said William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, citing Prevention.
The lack of cases of H10N3 makes it difficult for researchers to detail the symptoms of this disease, however, the CDC explains that the symptoms of bird flu are usually the same as those of the common cold.
Here are some of the symptoms of bird flu, according to the CDC:
- Pink eyes
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Muscle ache
- Nausea
- Stomach ache
- Diarrhea
- Gag
- Hard to breathe
- Difficulty breathing
- Pneumonia
- Seizures, in severe levels
Even though there are clinical symptoms as above, the public is not expected to carry out an independent diagnosis. It is recommended to do further examination at the hospital.
Currently, bird flu is still considered as influenza. A person who is exposed to the bird flu virus can use antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir (tamiflu), peramivir, or zanamivir. It is considered effective 70 percent to 90 percent to overcome bird flu.
Regarding the discovery of the H10N3 case, experts remind the public not to worry.
“This is not something most people need to worry about beyond the fact that there is a constant threat of infectious disease to watch out for and demand solutions,” said Dr. Adalja
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