Influenza A H5N1

GS Paper III Science and Technology

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.

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.

Also Read: India’s declaration of freedom from avian influenza

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