Introduction
The bird flu virus is a type of Influenza A virus. It is usually found in wild birds, in which it causes a very mild infection. Two subtypes, H7 and H5, account for most of the human cases recorded so far. As recently as 2003, a new subtype of the virus, H5N1, appeared in south East Asia. This subtype has not only caused huge numbers of deaths in poultry of several nations, it has also accounted for up to 400 human cases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this subtype attacks the respiratory system like the usual flu, but causes a much more severe illness. Unlike the usual seasonal flu, the bird flu virus also causes widespread organ failure in humans.
How the Bird Flu Spreads
The bird flu virus, also called avian flu, is at home in birds. It affects all sorts of birds, domestic and wild, pets and poultry. Migratory birds usually spread the virus to domestic birds. Infected birds usually shed the virus in their feces in large quantities. The virus is also found on their feathers, eggs and meat.
Avian flu virus, H5N1, is able to cross-infect human beings who are in direct contact with infected live birds. Those at risk are poultry workers, people living in close quarters with birds as pets, and people who raise birds that freely move around the house such as in rural dwellings and on farms. The droppings of these birds and contact with them enhance the transfer of the virus to the nose and eyes through which the virus gains entrance to the body.
The bird flu virus can also be transferred by contact with dead birds and poultry products. Eggs from infected birds have the virus on the shell and in the eggs. The dead birds also carry the virus on their feathers and meat. Thus, the virus can be transmitted through handling of raw poultry products such as eggs and meat. Eating of poorly cooked poultry products can transmit the virus. Contact with dead birds in the wild can also transfer the virus. Thorough cooking and hygienic handling of poultry products usually minimize this mode of transmission.
Although rare, human-to-human transfer of the virus has been documented and usually involves immediate and close (primary) contacts with those who got the infection from birds. It involves spread by sneezing, coughing and contact with infective materials such as napkins and soiled clothing.
Current Status of the Bird Flu
Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the WHO state that the H5N1 virus is quite capable of further transformation to a deadlier virus that is capable of managing repeated human-to-human infections. When this is achieved, an explosive pandemic of avian flu might result. Thus, this virus is under close surveillance, and every human case is being monitored. According to the CDC, there is yet to be a human case of H5N1 in the United States.
Recommended precautions include avoiding dead birds in the wild, proper hygiene in handling poultry and thorough cooking of poultry products. Standard protocols as with other flu infection, such as proper covering of the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and proper disposal of soiled napkins, are also encouraged.
