The avian influenza virus causes the bird flu infection. Although different types of avian influenza exist, the avian influenza A (H5N1) type is unique in that it can infect humans. Bird flu infections in humans occur through close contact with infected birds. There are concerns of an epidemic outbreak of bird flu if the virus changes and spreads among humans.
Virus Mutation
Consuming raw or undercooked poultry, eggs or blood from an infected bird raises the chances for developing avian influenza, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. The feces and saliva of an infected bird also spreads the virus. If the virus changes (mutates) into a form that spreads easily among humans, direct person-to-person contact could occur, reports the Mayo Clinic, raising concerns for a world-wide problem.
H5N1 Epidemic
According to Medline Plus, infected chickens caused the first direct infection of bird flu in humans. The infection was classified as avian influenza A (H5N1). The spreading of avian influenza among humans increases the concerns for a bird flu epidemic, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center. Avian influenza A (H5N1) spreads by coming in contact with surfaces contaminated with the virus, thus health care workers and family members caring for individuals infected with avian influenza are at a greater risk of developing the bird flu. Infection with the H5N1 virus causes flu-like symptoms in humans, including fever, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, cough and difficulty breathing. Medline Plus recommends notifying a health care professional regarding a probable case of the avian flu virus before showing up at the doctor's office to make sure that proper precautions are taken to protect health care workers and other patients from contracting the virus.
Other Concerns
Since humans have no immunity against the infection, secluding infected individuals can preventing the spread of the infection. Bird flu infections result in life-threatening complications, including respiratory distress or failure, pneumonia, collapsed lungs, organ failure, sepsis and heart problems. The virus rarely infects humans, states the Mayo Clinic. However, more than half of the humans infected with bird flu die of the disease.
