Categories: Health

How is bird flu transmitted to humans and what foods can it affect?

bird flu H5N1 This disease affects wild birds around the world, and currently, as explains Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Americans, causes outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows in the United States, with a recent human case involving a dairy farm worker.

Even though he infection from animals to humans This virus is not common, as Jeremy Farrar, chief scientist at the World Health Organization, notes, the H5N1 virus has been recorded “extremely high mortality rate” among people currently infected. Fortunately, the virus has not been proven to be transmitted from person to person, but it continues to constantly adapt, which can lead to a more dangerous situation.

How does bird flu spread?

As we have already mentioned, avian influenza is transmitted mainly between birds, but can sometimes infect mammals, including humans. The main routes of infection are:

Direct contact with infected birds. Contact with infected birds, their feces, saliva or respiratory secretions is the most common form of transmission.
Contaminated surfaces. The virus can survive on surfaces such as cages, livestock equipment, clothing and shoes, and people can become infected by touching these contaminated surfaces.
Contaminated air. In areas with high concentrations of infected birds, the virus may be present in dust and air particles, increasing the risk of inhaling the virus.

Eating raw or undercooked poultry products. Although less common, there is a risk if contaminated poultry products that have not been cooked properly are consumed.

Symptoms of bird flu

The main symptoms that may occur in people infected with the avian influenza virus include:

Cough
Diarrhea
Difficulty breathing
Heat
Headache
General discomfort
Muscle pain
Runny nose
Sore throat

What can you do to protect yourself

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently makes the following recommendations to prevent the spread of this disease to people:

Avoid direct contact with wild birds. and watch them from a distance.
Don’t touch sick birdsas well as surfaces that may be covered with their excrement.
If you work with birds, wear protective clothing and masks

special for breathing.
If you have had contact with infected birds or other animals, be pay attention to the symptoms and consult a doctor if they appear.
Avoid undercooked or raw meats.