Bird Flu - Avian Influenza
Posted 23 February 06 under News.
On February 18th the Government of India announced that the H5N1, virus responsible for the current occurrence of cases of Avian Influenza, was found in poultry in Nawapur, Nandurbar District of the state of Maharashtra. This district is close to Gujarat border. An estimated 40,000-75,000 birds have died in this district. The Maharashtra Government has sealed Nawapur and ordered the culling of nearly 800,000 birds within a 3-km radius. Poultry in additional 52 farms in the radius of 10 Kms will be vaccinated. Health authorities have sent blood samples of suspected Human cases (3~5 as per reports, who have fever and cold) for confirmatory diagnosis to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune. The results are expected in 2-3 days. An alert has been sounded in the state of Gujarat, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. A milder variety of the avian flu identified as H9 has been detected in Gujarat, with 37 cases testing positive after 1,269 birds were examined in zoos, sanctuaries, wetlands and poultry farms across the state.
Doctor’s advice:
- The disease primarily affects poultry and birds like ducks and migratory birds. Most Human cases, so far, had prior contact with infected poultry. The disease is spread to humans by coming in close contact with infected bird, their excreta, blood and other secretions. The disease has a fatality of 50 % in humans. So prevention measures are critical. These are, o Avoid visiting poultry farms, or places like markets where poultry is sold. o Employees/ families who have backyard poultry / pet birds need to seek immediate advice from veterinary experts to see that these birds are in good health. Please follow their recommendations regarding vaccination for poultry / birds. o Avoid consumption of Raw / undercooked poultry products. Cooked eggs and chicken at or above 70 degrees Celsius is considered safe since it kills the virus. However if you suspect that this cooking practice is not followed, it is in your interest to avoid such food. o Wash your hands with soap and water, thoroughly, before eating food or at anytime if you suspect that you have touched an unclean or contaminated surface or object. o While coughing or sneezing cover your face with tissue / handkerchief. This will avoid air borne spread of infection to others. Ensure that your workplace is cleaned regularly. o Do not ignore fever of more than 38°Celcius / 100.4° Fahrenheit. Consult your Doctor for treatment. During the period of recovery from illness, if need be, explore the option of working from home by contacting your immediate Supervisor / Manager. Ensure that you obtain a fitness Certificate from your Doctor before returning to work. * Currently no vaccine is available for prevention. The common influenza vaccine is NOT recommended for all, in India. It is currently given for specific conditions / cases based on Doctor’s advice. Some authorities are recommending this vaccine. However we would like to clarify that this vaccine has NO role to play in prevention of Avian Influenza and is not a substitute for prevention measures stated above.
- The drug, Tamiflu, has been used in treating cases of Avian Influenza. But the experience is limited. Its use as a prophylactic measure is not well established. The drug is commercially not easily available but the Govt of India has stocks of this drug for use in suspected cases of Avian Influenza.
- You may receive lot of well-intentioned advice from the Internet / e-mail / SMS. Some of this could be pure speculation / rumor. Please do not encourage / forward such messages.
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