According to the WHO, it is usually transferred between animals, but can also infect humans
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday confirmed a human case of bird flu in India. Caused by the H9N2 virus, the infection was detected in a four-year-old child in West Bengal, the health body said.
The child was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a local hospital after experiencing severe and persistent respiratory problems. This is the second case of H9N2 bird flu in India; the first was reported in 2019.
A two-and-a-half-year-old girl tested positive for H5N1 bird flu on June 7 and was admitted to an intensive care unit in Australia. She had recently traveled to India.
Let’s learn more about H9N2 bird flu:
Who does this affect?
Bird flu, also called bird flu, is caused by infection with the avian influenza (flu) virus type A. According to the WHO, it is usually transferred between animals, but can also infect humans.
The infection spreads through direct contact with infected animals or indirect contact with contaminated environments. “Depending on the original host, influenza A viruses can be classified as avian influenza, swine influenza, or other types of animal influenza viruses,” the document says. WHO.
What are your symptoms?
The infection can cause illnesses ranging from mild upper respiratory tract infections to more serious illnesses. Additionally, other symptoms of bird flu virus infection include:
- Conjunctivitis
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Encephalitis
- Encephalopathy
The WHO states that infection with the bird flu virus can also be fatal.
How to diagnose bird flu virus infection in humans?
Laboratory tests are needed to diagnose humans infected with flu, according to the WHO. The health agency also periodically updates technical guidance protocols for detecting zoonotic influenza using molecular methods.
How to avoid contracting the infection?
To prevent contracting the virus, the WHO suggests that people minimize contact with animals in areas known to be affected by animal flu viruses, including farms and places where live animals may be sold or slaughtered.
Maintaining personal and hand hygiene, including washing hands with soap, before and after contact with animals is essential to avoid infection with the virus.
This story originally appeared on Ndtv.com read the full story
