Influenza A H5N1

Context

Recently, Influenza A H5N1 was detected in dairy cows in six States in the U.S.

• An emerging new lineage 2.3.4.4b of avian influenza has been spreading across the globe since late 2020, carried by migratory birds following specific routes.

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Avian Influenza A H5N1 Bird Flu

• H5N1 is a type of influenza virus that causes severe respiratory disease in birds.
• Transmission: Humans are also at risk but they rarely contract bird flu. 
  • Most of the cases of human infection involve people who have. prolonged or close exposure to H5N1-infected animals such as farm/poultry workers, are at a higher risk. 
• Cases of Human Infection: Human infections with H5N1 were first reported in 1997 during a poultry outbreak in Hong Kong.
  • There have been 887 cases of H5N1 between 2003 and 2024, of which 462 people died.
• Signs and Symptoms: Mild illness, manifested through eye redness (conjunctivitis) or mild flu-like upper respiratory symptoms, to severe (such as pneumonia requiring hospitalisation).
• Treatment: The antiviral Oseltamivir
  • There are also vaccine candidates that have been developed, but not readily available, for H5N1.
• Mortality: This could be as high as 60 per cent.
• Potential of Pandemic: Avian influenza is not on the WHO priority list of pathogens of pandemic potential.

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