Kerala Bird Flu Outbreak: What Is H5N1? All You Need To Know About Symptoms & Precautionary Measures

After reports of a bird flu outbreak affecting two panchayats in Alappuzha, State Health Minister Veena George has directed the health department’s director to initiate appropriate measures under the Kerala Public Health Act of 2023.

Panchayat-level committees have been tasked with assessing the situation and implementing essential measures. This directive applies to all panchayats in Alappuzha and nearby areas under observation, with instructions to revive ‘One Health’ committees in the panchayats.

The health minister emphasised that although bird flu hasn’t yet affected humans in the state, it’s important to take precautions to prevent its spread, according to a report by The Times of India.

Confirmation of bird flu came from ducks in Ward 1 of Edathva Grama Panchayat and Ward 3 of Cheruthana Grama Panchayat, following tests conducted on symptomatic duck samples sent to a Bhopal lab. District officials confirmed the presence of avian influenza (H5N1).

On Friday, the state’s Animal Husbandry Department (AHD) conducted bird culling operations in the affected areas of Kuttanad in Alappuzha.

As per The Hindu report, approximately 21,000 ducks will be culled in Edathua and Cheruthana, the epicenters of the bird flu outbreak. Additionally, all domesticated birds within a one-kilometer radius of the outbreak zones will undergo culling.

Tamil Nadu Sets Up 12 Border Check Posts

To curb the spread of bird flu from Alappuzha, vigilance has intensified at 12 border check posts in neighbouring Tamil Nadu. These posts, located in places like Anaikatti, Walayar, and Velandavazham, are equipped with a veterinary doctor and support staff. Vehicles carrying poultry products are being stopped and turned back, while disinfection measures are applied to vehicles entering from Kerala.

As per the report, 432 samples from poultry farms have been examined, showing no signs of bird flu.

What is H5N1?

According to Live Science, H5N1, also known as bird flu, is a highly pathogenic subtype of avian influenza A, known for causing severe illness in poultry and occasionally transmitting to humans and other mammals. Although primarily affecting birds, it can lead to fatal outcomes in non-bird species, including humans. The virus was first identified in China in 1996, with notable human fatalities during outbreaks, including one in Hong Kong in 1997.

Bird flu primarily spreads through contact with infected animal fluids such as saliva, respiratory droplets, or feces. It can infect the upper respiratory tract, lungs, and other body parts, potentially leading to severe illness. However, properly cooked poultry and eggs pose no risk of transmission, and any infected flocks are removed from the human food supply immediately.

Symptoms

In humans, symptoms of H5N1 infection can vary widely. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they may range from no symptoms or mild illness, such as eye redness (conjunctivitis) or mild flu-like upper respiratory symptoms, to severe cases requiring hospitalisation.

Common symptoms include fever (temperature of 100ºF [37.8ºC] or greater), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. Less common symptoms may include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, or seizures. It’s important to note that fever may not always be present.

Detection

Diagnosing bird flu virus infection in people requires laboratory testing, as clinical signs and symptoms alone are not sufficient. Typically, a swab is collected from the upper respiratory tract (nose or throat) of the affected individual for testing. The accuracy of testing is higher when the swab is obtained during the initial days of illness.

In severe cases, collecting and testing specimens from the lower respiratory tract may aid in diagnosis. However, in some cases where patients have recovered or are no longer severely ill, detecting the bird flu virus in a specimen may prove challenging.

Treatment

During an interview with Hindustan Times, Dr. Rahul Agarwal, Consultant Internal Medicine at CARE Hospitals Hitech City Hyderabad, explained that treatment for bird flu usually consists of antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu). These medications can aid in reducing the severity and duration of symptoms. However, Dr. Agarwal cautioned that the effectiveness of these medications may differ based on the specific strain of the virus and the overall health condition of the individual.

“In addition to antiviral medications, supportive care is often necessary, especially for individuals experiencing severe symptoms. This may include rest, hydration, and, in some cases, hospitalisation for close monitoring and treatment,” Dr. Agarwal added.

Precautionary Measures

Dr. Gupta also shared important tips for flu prevention, underscoring the significance of several measures. These include avoiding contact with sick birds, maintaining good hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing, and ensuring poultry products are cooked thoroughly. Furthermore, wearing protective gear while handling sick birds or cleaning contaminated areas can provide an extra layer of defence, effectively lowering the risk of transmission.

“While bird flu outbreaks can be concerning, the risk of human-to-human transmission is generally low. However, health authorities closely monitor these outbreaks to prevent the spread of the virus and protect public health. Staying informed and following the guidance of health officials can help mitigate the risks associated with bird flu,” he added.

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