BIRD FLU ARRIVES IN INDIA

Bird flu arrived officially in India on Sunday when dozens of people were tested positive for the deadly H5N1 virus. India, a major poultry producer, reported its first bird flu cases in poultry after 50,000 birds died in Maharashtra.

Authorities launched an emergency operation to try to contain the virus, which experts fear might mutate to allow it to pass between people, setting off a pandemic.

Bird flu is also threatening livelihoods by slicing demand for poultry in Europe, Nigeria and parts of India.

The Indian government said on Sunday that earlier fears of the country’s first human victim were unfounded, “Preliminary investigations by the rapid response teams at Navapur indicate that this patient had no exposure to poultry,” a federal health ministry statement said.

“All these people were showing flu-like symptoms and we have sent their blood and sputum samples for testing for bird flu,” said Vijay Singh, the state’s top health official.

Avian influenza has come up in recent weeks, spreading among birds in Europe and parts of Africa, and prompting authorities to impose bans on the poultry trade, introduce mass culling and vaccinate poultry flocks.

In France, Europe’s biggest poultry producer, the farm ministry confirmed that a duck found dead on Monday in the east of the country had H5N1.

Britain said bird flu was now more likely to reach its shores and Spain, Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Greece, Italy, Turkey, Egypt, China, Indonesia, Nigeria have reported their first few cases of the virus.

Experts have long feared the consequences of bird flu taking hold in Africa because of poor health and surveillance systems. African countries lack the health and disease control systems to contain a deadly strain of bird flu which was confirmed for the first time on the continent this week.

Bird Flu FAQ:

Q: What is bird flu?

A: There are at least 15 different types of avian influenza that routinely infect birds around the world. The current outbreak is caused by a strain known as H5N1, which is highly contagious among birds and rapidly fatal. Unlike many other strains of avian influenza, it can be transmitted to humans, causing severe illness and death.

Q: How does bird flu spread?

A: Infected birds spread the flu virus through their saliva, nasal secretions and feces.So far, human cases have been blamed on direct contact with infected chickens and their droppings. People who catch the virus from birds can pass it on to other humans.

Q: Is it safe to eat poultry?

A: Yes, but countries currently experiencing outbreaks should take certain precautions. In areas free of the disease, poultry and poultry products can be consumed as usual.
The H5N1 virus is sensitive to heat. Normal cooking temperatures (70 C in all parts of the food) will kill the virus. Consumers should make sure poultry and eggs are fully cooked.

Q: What are the symptoms in humans?

A: Bird flu can cause a range of symptoms in humans. Some patients report fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches. Others suffer from eye infections, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress and other severe and life-threatening complications.

Q: Is there a vaccine?

A: There currently is no vaccine to protect humans against the H5N1 virus. However, once scientists know the virus that is causing a pandemic, they can quickly make a vaccine.

Q: How can I protect myself during a pandemic?

A: Like in any flu season, common sense hygiene is key. Wash your hands a lot — chances are somebody just sneezed into his hand and then touched the same doorknob you did. Cover coughs and sneezes so you don’t spread germs. Sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve; if you use your hands, wash them immediately.