Bird flu | WHO confirms first case of H5N1 virus infection in a two-year-old girl in Australia
The WHO indicates that the H5N1 virus infection “likely” occurred in India and warns that it “has potentially serious health consequences.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the first human case of bird flu, which was announced by Australian authorities last month. a two-year-old girl who traveled to India. In a statement on Friday, WHO said the H5N1 virus that causes avian flu “likely” originated in India and warned that infection with the subtype of the virus “has potential serious health consequences.”
The UN agency explained that the minor traveled to Kolkata (India) from February 12 to 28 and returned to Melbourne (Australia) on March 1, where she was hospitalized the next day with flu-like symptoms. The girl who is March 4th was admitted to the intensive care unitrecovered after two and a half weeks in hospital.
WHO noted that, according to Australian authorities, the girl began to feel unwell on February 25 and three days later was taken to the doctor with a fever, cough and vomiting, for which she was prescribed paracetamol. The girl did not leave Kolkata and her case was not registered with Australian Customs, although no family member or close contact showed symptoms. The case was reported on May 22 by the Victorian Department of Health in Australia. explaining that everything is fine with the girl and the likelihood of infection between people is “very small”.
The WHO also noted that the influenza virus of animal origin is usually transmitted between animals, although it can also infect humans. “Infections in humans are mainly caused by direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. Depending on the original host, influenza A viruses can be classified as avian influenza, swine influenza or other types of animal influenza viruses,” the global health agency said.
He added that avian influenza infections in humans can cause illness ranging from mild upper respiratory tract infections to more serious illnesses that can be fatal. There were also cases conjunctivitis, gastrointestinal symptoms, encephalitis and encephalopathy in infected people.
The UN agency advised the public to avoid dangerous places such as markets or farms with live animals and poultry, not to eat sick or unexpectedly dead birds and to wash their hands frequently. Between 2003 and November 2023, 880 human cases of avian influenza (H5N1) were identified in 23 countries. total 460 deathsaccording to WHO.